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Region: General | Usage example: We started with the low-hanging fruit before the complex cases.

Low-hanging fruit

Meaning

Easy tasks to tackle first.

Usage

Used when describing quick wins.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Fruit picking metaphor about reachable produce.

Used widely in business since the late 20th century.

Related Idioms

Jump through hoops

Do complicated or unnecessary tasks to achieve something.

Many hands make light work

Tasks become easier when shared.

Juggle the balls

Manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.