Imagine a task so straightforward, even a toddler could ace it. That’s when we say it’s “child’s play” or “easy as pie” (although, has anyone actually made a pie? Maybe it’s not as easy after all!).
Origins and Definitions
The expression “child’s play” harks back to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Merchant’s Tale (late 14th century), where he notes, “It is no childes pley to take a wyf with-outen avysement.” Clearly, marriage has been a complicated ordeal for centuries! By the time Thomas Carlyle’s Chartism rolled around in 1839, it was quite the cliché.
Meaning: Describes something extremely simple or easily accomplished.
Synonyms
- Easy as pie
- A walk in the park
- A piece of cake
- No sweat
- As easy as ABC
Antonyms
- Tough nut to crack
- Manual labor
- Herculean task
Similar Timeless Gems
- Walk in the park: Something very easy to accomplish.
- Piece of cake: Another dessert-themed synonym cherished by students during exams.
- No-brainer: That assignment was a no-brainer—a straight A.
Humorous Quotes
“Ben Franklin may have discovered electricity, but it is the man who invented the meter who made the money.”
— Earl Wilson
Proverbs and Wisdom
“He who laughs last didn’t get the joke.” (This may not fit here, but we all need a chuckle!)
Literature, Books, and Films
Books:
- Mastery by Robert Greene – Not exactly “child’s play” but achievable with persistence.
- The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – Easy to read but with deep philosophical meaning.
Films:
- Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – It highlights the beauty and simplicity of learning.
- Toy Story – It’s all about the big adventures toys (or children) can have.
🎉 Fun Quizzes 🎉
And so, my linguistically curious friend, as you navigate the maze of modern language and historic proclamations, may your journey always be as simple as child’s play and as enjoyable as a piece of cake. 🍰
Remember, life itself can be tough—a nutcracker of astronomical proportions—but with phrases like these, we can laugh at our struggles and celebrate our easy wins.
Yours in idiom fascination, ${author}
Date finalized: ${2023-10-07}
