PhrasesHub

a walk in the park

    Definitions

      • something easy or effortless
        Describing a task or activity as simple or uncomplicated

      • something difficult or challenging
        Sarcastically describing a task or activity as difficult or challenging

    Examples of a walk in the park

    • Solving complex math equations is a walk in the park compared to managing a team of twenty employees.

      This idiom is used when describing a task that is relatively easy compared to another, more difficult task. In this example, managing a team of twenty employees is portrayed as a challenging task, while solving complex math equations is perceived as a less difficult task, making it a walk in the park in comparison.

    • Writing a formal letter of complaint is a walk in the park compared to giving a public speech in front of a hundred people.

      Here, comparing the ease of completing a routine task, such as writing a formal letter of complaint, to a more daunting task, like giving a public speech, illustrates the idiom's usage in contrasting straightforward tasks to challenging ones.

    • Learning how to use new software is a walk in the park compared to mastering a new language.

      This example shows how the idiom is utilized in comparing processes with varying levels of complexity, demonstrating that learning how to use new software is comparatively easier than mastering a new language.

    • Preparing a presentation is a walk in the park compared to dealing with unexpected challenges at work.

      This example underscores the idiom's use in comparing diverse tasks, where individuals generally have more control over the preparation of a presentation than dealing with unexpected challenges, making preparing a presentation a comparatively easier task.

    • Solving math equations for my younger sister has become a walk in the park after taking a math tutoring course.

      This idiom is used metaphorically to describe a task that is easy to complete after gaining experience or knowledge. In this example, the speaker used to find math problems difficult to solve for their sister but now it's a simple and straightforward task for them after acquiring new skills through a tutoring course.

    • Managing our marketing campaigns used to be a daunting task, but with our new team members, it's become a walk in the park.

      This idiom is again used metaphorically to describe a situation where once a task was challenging and overwhelming but now it's easy due to the addition of new resources or personnel. The speaker's marketing campaigns were once difficult to manage but now with the help of new team members, the task is effortless.

    • The experience of learning a new language at my age is proving to be a walk in the park compared to when I tried to learn it as a teenager.

      The idiom "a walk in the park" is used metaphorically to compare the difficulty level of learning a new language at different ages. The speaker found learning a new language challenging as a teenager, but now as an adult, it's an easy and enjoyable task.

    • The process of designing our new website has become a walk in the park thanks to our talented web developer.

      This idiom is used metaphorically to explain that a task that seemed difficult or complex before, became easy due to the involvement of a skilled person. The speaker's website design process was once challenging, but with the involvement of a talented web developer, it's now a straightforward task.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a walk in the park" can be used to describe something that is either easy or difficult. When used positively, it conveys the idea that a particular task or activity is easy and effortless. However, it can also be used sarcastically to emphasize the difficulty or challenge of a situation.

    Origin of "a walk in the park"

    The origin of the idiom "a walk in the park" can be traced back to the idea of taking a leisurely stroll in a park, which is typically seen as a relaxing and enjoyable activity. The idiom likely originated from this association with ease and comfort, and over time, it evolved to be used figuratively to describe any activity that is either easy or difficult, depending on the context.

    One possible origin of the sarcastic usage of the idiom could be the contrast between the relaxing image of a leisurely walk in the park and the actual difficulty or challenge of a situation. This contrast may have led to the sarcastic use of the idiom to emphasize the unexpected difficulty of a task or activity that was initially perceived as easy. Overall, the idiom "a walk in the park" has become a common expression in the English language to convey both ease and difficulty in various situations.