PhrasesHub

A no-brainer

    Definitions

      • Easy decision
        Describing a decision that requires little or no thought or effort to make, due to its simplicity or obviousness

      • Obvious solution
        Referring to a solution or course of action that is immediately apparent and does not require much consideration or deliberation

    Examples of A no-brainer

    • Choosing a new smartphone is a no-brainer for me. The latest model has all the features I need, and the price is reasonable.

      This idiom is used to describe a decision that is so obvious or easy to make that it requires little thought or effort. Choosing the latest smartphone model with all the desired features and a reasonable price is an easy decision, making it a no-brainer.A piece of cake

    • Learning how to use this new software is a piece of cake. The interface is intuitive, and the instructions are clear.

      This idiom is used to describe a task that is very easy or simple to do. Learning how to use a new software with an intuitive interface and clear instructions is an easy task, making it a piece of cake.A drop in the bucket

    • The donation we made to the charity is just a drop in the bucket compared to what they need.

      This idiom is used to describe a small or insignificant amount in comparison to a larger or more significant amount. The donation made to the charity is small in comparison to the amount they need, making it a drop in the bucket.Bite the bullet

    • I'm going to have to bite the bullet and ask for a raise.

      This idiom is used to describe a difficult or unpleasant decision that must be made. Asking for a raise can be a difficult decision, making it necessary to bite the bullet.Break a leg

    • Good luck with your performance tonight! Break a leg!

      This idiom is used to wish someone good luck in a humorous way. It originated from the superstition that wishing someone "good luck" would actually bring them bad luck, so instead, people would say "break a leg" as a way to wish them good luck without actually cursing them.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a no-brainer" is commonly used to describe a decision or solution that is easy or obvious. It conveys the idea that little or no mental effort is required to arrive at the correct choice. This can be seen in both the intention and use of the idiom, as it is often used to indicate that a decision or solution is simple and straightforward.

    In the first meaning, the intention is to discourage someone from overthinking or struggling with a decision that is actually quite easy. By using the idiom, the speaker is advising against wasting time and effort on something that should be a no-brainer. This can be seen in phrases such as "It's a no-brainer, just go with option A" or "Don't make it complicated, it's a no-brainer."

    In the second meaning, the intention is to highlight an obvious and quick solution to a problem or situation. The use of the idiom in this context implies that the solution is so clear and simple that it does not require any deep thought or analysis. For example, "The answer is a no-brainer, just follow the instructions" or "It's a no-brainer, we should just apologize and move on."

    Origin of "A no-brainer"

    The origin of the idiom "a no-brainer" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The term "no-brainer" was first used in the context of horse racing, to refer to a race in which one horse was so clearly superior to the others that it required no thought to bet on it. This idea of a decision being so obvious and simple that it requires no mental effort gradually evolved into the modern usage of the idiom.

    The idiom gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, and it is now commonly used in everyday language. Its origin in horse racing has been largely forgotten, and it is now used in a wide range of contexts to describe anything that is easy or obvious. The figurative use of the idiom is likely what has allowed it to become a part of everyday language, as it can be applied to many different situations and scenarios.