Low-hanging fruit

Definitions

• easy target or goal
  Referring to a task or goal that is easily achievable or attainable without much effort or difficulty.

• obvious or simple solution
  Describing a solution to a problem that is readily apparent or easy to implement.

• taking the easiest option
  used when someone chooses the easiest or most convenient option, rather than putting in more effort to achieve a better result.

Examples of Low-hanging fruit

• The company should focus on selling their most popular products first, as those are the low-hanging fruit that will generate quick and easy profits.

  This idiom refers to tasks or opportunities that are relatively easy to accomplish and have immediate results. The phrase "low-hanging fruit" comes from the image of fruit that is easily accessible and requires little effort to pick. In a business context, this could refer to products that are already popular and have a high demand, making them a simple and quick source of revenue. By focusing on these products first, a company can generate quick profits and build momentum, which can then be used to tackle more complex and challenging tasks.

Conclusion

The idiom "low-hanging fruit" is commonly used to describe something that is easily achievable or attainable, often with minimal effort. It can refer to a simple solution to a problem, an easy target or goal, or someone taking the path of least resistance. In each of these cases, the intention is to highlight the simplicity or ease of the situation.

When used in the context of an easy target or goal, "low-hanging fruit" is often used to describe a task or goal that requires little effort or skill to accomplish. This could be seen as a positive thing, as it implies that the goal is within reach and can be easily obtained. However, it can also carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the goal is not challenging or worthwhile.

In the context of a solution to a problem, "low-hanging fruit" is used to describe a solution that is obvious or readily available. This could be seen as a positive thing, as it implies that there is a simple and effective solution to the problem. However, it can also suggest that the solution may not be the most innovative or well thought out.

Lastly, when used to describe someone taking the easiest option, "low-hanging fruit" can be seen as a criticism, implying that the person is not putting in enough effort to achieve a better result. It can also suggest that the person is taking shortcuts or not fully committing to the task at hand.

Origin of "Low-hanging fruit"

The origin of the idiom "low-hanging fruit" can be traced back to the literal meaning of the phrase. In agriculture, fruits that are low-hanging on a tree or bush are easier to reach and pick, making them a desirable target for harvest. This concept was then applied to other areas, such as business and problem-solving, to describe something that is easily attainable or within reach.

The phrase has been used in literature and speeches since the 1800s, but it gained popularity in the business world in the 1990s. It was often used in the context of marketing and sales, referring to potential customers who were easily convinced or persuaded to buy a product or service. It has since become a common phrase in everyday language, used to describe any situation where the easiest option is chosen or the most obvious solution is used.