PhrasesHub

It's not rocket science

    Definitions

      • something is not difficult to understand or figure out
        To convey that a task or concept is not complex and can be easily comprehended or solved

      • something is not highly specialized or advanced
        To indicate that a particular field or subject matter does not require extensive knowledge or expertise to grasp

      • something is not innovative or groundbreaking
        To suggest that a concept or idea is not particularly original or revolutionary, and has been previously explored or discovered

    Examples of It's not rocket science

    • "Putting together a budget is not rocket science."

      This idiom is used to mean that a task is not overly complicated or difficult, much like the complexities of rocket science. It suggests that anyone with basic knowledge and skills can complete the task.

    • "Learning how to use a new software program is not rocket science."

      This idiom is used to mean that a task is not overly complicated or difficult, much like the complexities of rocket science. It suggests that anyone with basic knowledge and skills can complete the task.

    • "Figuring out how to change a tire is not rocket science."

      This idiom is used to mean that a task is not overly complicated or difficult, much like the complexities of rocket science. It suggests that anyone with basic knowledge and skills can complete the task.

    • "Preparing a simple meal is not rocket science."

      This idiom is used to mean that a task is not overly complicated or difficult, much like the complexities of rocket science. It suggests that anyone with basic knowledge and skills can complete the task.

    • "Assembling furniture from IKEA is not rocket science."

      This idiom is used to mean that a task is not overly complicated or difficult, much like the complexities of rocket science. It suggests that anyone with basic knowledge and skills can complete the task.In all these examples, the idiom "it's not rocket science" is used to convey the idea that the task at hand is not overly complicated or difficult, and that anyone with basic knowledge and skills can complete it. The comparison to the complexities of rocket science is used to emphasize just how simple and straightforward the task really is.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "it's not rocket science" is commonly used to convey various meanings, all centered around the idea that something is not difficult or complex. Whether it refers to a task, subject matter, or concept, the phrase is often used to reassure or encourage someone that they can easily understand or solve a problem.

    In the first meaning, "it's not rocket science" is used to express that a task or concept is not difficult to understand or figure out. This can be applied to everyday situations, such as learning a new skill or completing a task at work. By using this idiom, someone is essentially saying that the task at hand is not as challenging as it may seem and can be easily accomplished.

    The second meaning of the idiom suggests that something is not highly specialized or advanced. This can refer to a particular field of study or expertise, and is often used to imply that one does not need extensive knowledge or training to understand it. For example, someone may say "it's not rocket science" when discussing a topic in a field outside of their expertise, highlighting that it is not necessary to have a deep understanding of the subject matter to comprehend it.

    Lastly, the idiom can also be used to indicate that something is not innovative or groundbreaking. In this context, it is often used in a slightly sarcastic or dismissive manner to suggest that an idea or concept is not particularly original or impressive. For example, if someone presents an idea that has been previously explored or discovered, another person may say "it's not rocket science" to downplay its significance.

    Origin of "It's not rocket science"

    The origin of the idiom "it's not rocket science" is believed to stem from the early days of the space race in the 1950s and 1960s. As the United States and Soviet Union competed to develop advanced rocket technology and launch satellites and astronauts into space, the field of rocket science became synonymous with cutting-edge technology and complex knowledge.

    Over time, the phrase "rocket science" came to represent something that was highly specialized and advanced, often requiring extensive education and training to understand. As a result, the idiom "it's not rocket science" emerged as a way to contrast a complex and advanced field with something that is much simpler and easier to comprehend.

    Today, the idiom has become a popular phrase used in everyday conversations, often used to downplay the difficulty or complexity of a task or concept. While its origins may lie in the world of space exploration, the phrase has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings and is now widely used in various contexts.