Do you want to explain how a task is easy? You could say it's "as simple as that" when referring to its execution. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "simple as that" means something is easy to comprehend or understand. It refers to something uncomplicated, requiring no advanced actions or understanding of a concept or task.
If something is "as simple as that," it means it is easy and not difficult, and inexperienced people won't have trouble completing the task or understanding an instruction.
As simple as that refers to instructions, concepts, or tasks that are simple to carry out or understand without needing assistance or explanation.
Example Usage
"Look, you don't have to go if you don't want to. It's as simple as that. If you decide to go, everyone will be grateful you did, and I'm sure you'll have a good time. Give it a go and you’ll find out I’m right."
"We don't have to do anything we don't want to; it's as simple as that. There's no need to get all flustered about it; it's not worth the hassle and stress."
"Cooking lobster isn't as challenging as you think. Just pop them in a pot of boiling water until the shells turn red. It's as simple as that and only takes around five minutes."
"Logging into the system is easy. Enter your username and password, click the log-in tab, and it opens. It's as simple as that."
"I don't care what you say, I'm going to Spain for my birthday, and there's nothing you can do about it. It's as simple as that."
"Finding the hidden characters in the game is easy. Press Alt+C+Q, and it opens a Gidden menu where you select the character you want. It's as simple as that."
"Understanding how to get someone to agree with you is easy. Just agree with them. It's as simple as that."
"Learning to drive takes practice. It's as simple as that. The more time you spend behind the wheel, the faster you learn."
"Being a chef is all about garnering experience. It's as simple as that. To be the next Gordon Ramsey, you must spend as much time in the kitchen as possible."
"She wanted to come to the fair, but I told her she needed to clean her room if she wanted to enjoy the afternoon. It's as simple as that."
Origin
The expression "simple as that" has unknown origins. Language experts cannot pinpoint the first use of this saying, and there are no written citations of its first use available. Language experts do not know if the phrase originated in the Americas or Britain, and there is no information available on it coming from older languages like Latin or French.
Phrases Similar to Simple as That
- Easy peasy.
- No problem.
Phrases Opposite to Simple as That
- It’s complicated.
- It’s difficult.
- It’s challenging.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Simple as that.
- As simple as that.
Ways People May Say Simple as That Incorrectly
The expression "as simple as that" means something is uncomplicated and easy to understand. Using the saying to describe a "simple" or "stupid" person is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Simple as That
You can use the expression "simple as that" to tell someone something is uncomplicated and requires an easy action or understanding of the situation. If you use "as simple as that," you're telling someone they don't have to expect a difficult time understanding what to do or what to say in a specific situation.
"As simple as that" suits social and professional conversations. For instance, you could tell your coworker that all they have to do is log onto their account and enter a password to open the CRM; it's as simple as that. Or you could tell your partner that cooking pasta only requires five minutes in boiling water. It's as simple as that.