it's not rocket science
It's not complicated or difficult
Literalmente: It is not the science of building rockets
Use this phrase to tell someone a task is easy, but watch your tone to avoid sounding rude.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe a task that is simple and straightforward.
- Compares easy tasks to the complexity of aerospace engineering.
- Best used in casual or friendly professional settings.
Significado
This phrase is used to say that something is actually very simple to understand or do. It suggests that you don't need to be a genius to figure it out.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Helping a friend with a TV remote
You just have to plug it in; it's not rocket science!
You just have to plug it in; it's not complicated!
Explaining a simple office procedure
Filling out the expense report is easy. It's not rocket science.
Filling out the expense report is easy. It's not difficult.
Texting a sibling about a recipe
Just boil the water first. It's not rocket science, Dave!
Just boil the water first. It's simple, Dave!
Contexto cultural
The idiom emerged in the mid-20th century during the Cold War and the Space Race, when aerospace engineering was considered the pinnacle of human intelligence. It is a classic example of American 'understatement' used for humorous effect. While it started in the US, it is now used globally across all English-speaking countries.
Watch Your Tone
If you say this with a mean voice, it sounds like you are calling the other person 'stupid.' Use a light, helpful tone instead.
The Brain Surgery Alternative
In the UK and US, 'It's not brain surgery' is an equally popular alternative. You can use them interchangeably to sound more like a native speaker.
En 15 segundos
- Used to describe a task that is simple and straightforward.
- Compares easy tasks to the complexity of aerospace engineering.
- Best used in casual or friendly professional settings.
What It Means
Imagine trying to build a spaceship. That is incredibly hard! It's not rocket science means the opposite. It says a task is basic. You use it when someone is overthinking a simple problem. It implies the solution is right in front of them.
How To Use It
Use this phrase as a complete sentence or a reaction. You can say it to encourage someone. You can also use it to express slight frustration. Usually, it follows a simple explanation. For example, "Just press the red button; it's not rocket science."
When To Use It
Use it when giving instructions to a friend. It works well when teaching a simple skill. Use it at work for routine tasks. It is perfect for lighthearted moments. If a friend can't open a jar, this is your go-to line. It adds a bit of flavor to your English.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your boss if they are struggling. It can sound very rude or condescending. Avoid it during a truly difficult or tragic situation. Don't say it to someone who is genuinely learning a complex skill. You don't want to make them feel unintelligent. Read the room before you speak.
Cultural Background
This phrase became popular in the United States during the 1950s. This was the era of the 'Space Race.' Rocket scientists were seen as the smartest people on Earth. Comparing a task to their work became a national joke. It reflects the high value Western culture places on logic. It has remained a staple of English conversation for decades.
Common Variations
Sometimes people say it's not brain surgery. Both mean exactly the same thing. You might also hear it's not exactly quantum physics. In the UK, people sometimes say it's not nuclear physics. All of these use high-level science as the benchmark for 'hard.' Choose whichever one feels most dramatic to you.
Notas de uso
This phrase is firmly in the informal/neutral category. The biggest 'gotcha' is the potential for sarcasm; ensure your body language is friendly so you don't accidentally insult someone's intelligence.
Watch Your Tone
If you say this with a mean voice, it sounds like you are calling the other person 'stupid.' Use a light, helpful tone instead.
The Brain Surgery Alternative
In the UK and US, 'It's not brain surgery' is an equally popular alternative. You can use them interchangeably to sound more like a native speaker.
The Sarcastic Flip
Sometimes people say 'Well, I'm not a rocket scientist' when they are the ones struggling. It's a funny way to admit you are confused.
Ejemplos
6You just have to plug it in; it's not rocket science!
You just have to plug it in; it's not complicated!
A friendly way to point out a simple solution.
Filling out the expense report is easy. It's not rocket science.
Filling out the expense report is easy. It's not difficult.
Used to reassure a colleague that the task is manageable.
Just boil the water first. It's not rocket science, Dave!
Just boil the water first. It's simple, Dave!
Playful teasing between family members.
I'm just trying to build a shelf, not rocket science, but these instructions are terrible!
I'm just trying to build a shelf, it should be simple, but these instructions are terrible!
Using the phrase to highlight how a simple task is being made difficult.
Don't worry about the driving test. You know how to drive; it's not rocket science.
Don't worry about the driving test. You know how to drive; it's not that hard.
Used to boost confidence by minimizing the perceived difficulty.
If we lower the price, more people buy it. It's not rocket science.
If we lower the price, more people buy it. It's basic logic.
A bit more assertive, used to point out an obvious fact.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the sentence.
I don't know why he's struggling with the new software; ___.
The phrase 'it's not rocket science' fits perfectly here to describe something that shouldn't be difficult.
Which response is most appropriate?
A: 'I can't figure out how to fold this map!' B: '___'
B is teasing A about a simple task, making 'it's not rocket science' the natural choice.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum
Teasing a close friend.
Dude, it's not rocket science.
Explaining a task to a peer.
The process is simple; it's not rocket science.
Generally avoided in very formal writing.
N/A
Where to use 'It's not rocket science'
Cooking
Following a 3-step recipe.
Tech Support
Restarting a frozen computer.
Office Work
Using the photocopier.
Sports
Explaining a basic game rule.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means that a task or concept is simple and easy to understand. It is used to contrast a basic activity with something extremely complex like aerospace engineering.
It can be. If you say it to someone who is genuinely trying hard, it might hurt their feelings. It is best used for lighthearted teasing or very obvious situations.
Yes, but only with peers or people you know well. Avoid saying it to a client or a high-level executive as it might seem unprofessional.
It originated in the United States during the 1950s Space Race. Rocket science was considered the most difficult job, so it became the standard for 'hard stuff'.
‘A piece of cake’ just means something is easy. ‘It’s not rocket science’ specifically implies that the logic behind the task is simple and should be obvious.
No, that is grammatically incorrect. The idiom is fixed as it's not rocket science.
British speakers use this phrase too, but they also frequently use it's not brain surgery or it's not nuclear physics.
If they are teasing you, you can laugh and say, 'Fair point!' If you are frustrated, you might say, 'It feels like it right now!'
No, it is an idiom and is too informal for essays or research papers. Stick to words like straightforward or uncomplicated instead.
No, it is used for tasks, ideas, or situations. You wouldn't say 'He is not rocket science.'
Frases relacionadas
A piece of cake
Something that is very easy to do.
It's not brain surgery
Another way to say something isn't complicated.
Child's play
A task that is so easy a child could do it.
Walk in the park
An easy and pleasant experience.
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