The phrase "general gist" means the main or basic idea or understanding of something. It is the overall or essential meaning of a message or conversation. Full definition
Both Fitbit trackers can record your sleep in «sensitive» mode for detailed sleep reporting or «normal» mode for a more general gist of your sleeping patterns. (thenextweb.com)
Because of their imagery, stories help us remember their general gist more easily than we remember pure factual information. (entrepreneur.com)
But I got the general gist and he was basically backtracking in saying that Sanchez would stay even if he left for free next year. (justarsenal.com)