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Region: US | Usage example: Choosing the cheaper software was a no-brainer.

No-brainer

Meaning

An obvious or easy decision.

Usage

Describes decisions requiring little thought.

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.

Implies brainpower is unnecessary.

Slang from the 1950s American English.

Related Idioms

Elephant in the room

An obvious issue nobody wants to address.

Up the creek without a paddle

In a difficult situation with no obvious way out.

Put two and two together

Draw an obvious conclusion.

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.