Explore the origins, meaning, and cultural relevance of the cliché 'child's play, easy as/that's,' tracing its historical roots and contemporary usage.
The phrase “child’s play, easy as/that’s” refers to a task or activity that is extremely simple or easily accomplished. It is often used to denote a lack of complexity or difficulty, suggesting that the task can be performed with minimal effort.
The origins of this expression can be traced back to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Merchant’s Tale, where it is mentioned: “I warne yow wel, it is no childes pley to take a wyf with-outen avysement.” This indicates that the phrase was already in use during the 14th century. By the time Thomas Carlyle employed it in Chartism (1839) with the phrase, “The craftsman finds it no child’s-play,” it had likely become a well-established cliché.
Semantically, the phrase conveys a sense of ease and simplicity, often with a slightly dismissive tone. It implies that the task at hand requires little to no skill or effort, akin to activities that a child could perform. The phrase can also carry a connotation of underestimation, where the speaker might trivialize the effort required for a task.
In contemporary culture, “child’s play” is frequently used in both casual conversation and literature to describe tasks that are perceived as uncomplicated. It appears in various forms of media, including films and books, to emphasize the ease with which a character can accomplish something. For example, in literature, it may be used to contrast a character’s skill level against the simplicity of the task.
In professional settings, “child’s play” might be used to describe tasks that are routine or require little effort from experienced individuals. Socially, it might be used humorously to downplay the difficulty of a task. In literary contexts, it may serve as a metaphor for ease or simplicity in contrast to more complex challenges.
The phrase “child’s play, easy as/that’s” remains relevant in modern language due to its clear and relatable imagery. Its durability is rated at ★★★★☆, as it continues to be a popular and widely understood expression in both spoken and written forms.
“I warne yow wel, it is no childes pley to take a wyf with-outen avysement.” - Geoffrey Chaucer, The Merchant’s Tale
“The craftsman finds it no child’s-play.” - Thomas Carlyle, Chartism (1839)