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1-
hands down
2-
like a (hot) knife through butter
3-
to break a sweat
4-
to be smooth sailing
5-
like riding a bike
6-
to take to something like a duck to water
7-
no muss, no fuss
8-
walk in the park
9-
low-hanging fruit
10-
no prizes for guessing
11-
line of least resistance
12-
to be in smooth water
13-
to be one's for the taking
14-
to fall into one's lap
15-
free ride
16-
with one hand (tied) behind one's back
hands down
Hands down
us flag
/hˈændz dˈaʊn/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

in a way that is effortless or easy

example
Exempel
click on words
She won the chess tournament hands down, outclassing her opponents in every match.
With his experience, he completed the complex project hands down, finishing well ahead of schedule.
The skilled musician could play the difficult piece hands down, effortlessly showcasing his talent.
What is the origin of the idiom "hands down" and when to use it?

The idiom "hands down" likely has its origins in horse racing, where a jockey who is winning comfortably and confidently can lower their hands and relax the reins, indicating an easy and effortless victory. In a broader sense, the phrase is used to describe a situation where something is accomplished or won with ease, without any significant effort or competition.

like a (hot|) knife through butter
Like a (hot) knife through butter
us flag
/lˈaɪk ɐ hˈɑːt nˈaɪf θɹuː bˈʌɾɚ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

with minimum effort or time

What is the origin of the idiom "like a knife through butter" and when to use it?

The idiom "like a knife through butter" does not have a specific documented origin, but it is a figurative expression that likens the ease of an action or task to the smooth and effortless way a sharp knife can cut through butter. It is used to describe how smoothly or easily something is done, as if there were no resistance or obstacles. It is a metaphorical expression that likens the ease of a task or action to the effortless way a sharp knife can cut through butter.

to [break] a sweat
To break a sweat
us flag
/bɹˈeɪk ɐ swˈɛt/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to need to put a lot of hard work or energy into doing something

What is the origin of the idiom "break a sweat" and when to use it?

The idiom "break a sweat" is used to describe physical exertion or effort, often implying that someone is working hard or engaging in strenuous activity that leads to perspiration. It originates from the literal act of physical exertion that causes an individual to sweat.

to be (smooth|clear) sailing
To be smooth sailing
us flag
/biː smˈuːð klˈɪɹ sˈeɪlɪŋ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to progress without facing problems or difficulties

What is the origin of the idiom "smooth sailing" and when to use it?

The idioms "smooth sailing" is used to describe a situation in which things are progressing easily and without obstacles or difficulties. This idioms is nautical in origin, as it originated from the world of sailing and refers to the idea of a ship moving smoothly on calm waters.

like riding a (bike|bicycle)
Like riding a bike
us flag
/lˈaɪk ɹˈaɪdɪŋ ɐ bˈaɪk bˈaɪsɪkəl/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

(of a learned skill) still easy to do after not practicing for long

What is the origin of the idiom "like riding a bike" and when to use it?

The idiom "like riding a bike" is used to describe an activity or skill that, once learned, is not easily forgotten and can be easily resumed after a period of not doing it. This expression is originated from the fact that the ability or knowledge that is deeply rooted in one's mind, can be quickly and effortlessly recalled. The phrase likens the experience to riding a bicycle, which many people learn in their childhood and typically retain throughout their lives.

to [take] to {sth} like a duck to water
To take to something like a duck to water
us flag
/tˈeɪk tʊ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ lˈaɪk ɐ dˈʌk tə wˈɔːɾɚ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to be really good at something as soon as one starts to do it

What is the origin of the idiom "take to something like a duck to water" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "take to something like a duck to water" is not definitively documented, but it likely arises from the natural behavior of ducks. Ducks are known for their natural swimming abilities and adaptability to water, which has been observed for centuries. This expression is used to describe how easily people can adapt to new activities or skills.

no muss, no fuss
No muss, no fuss
us flag
/nˈoʊ mˈʌs nˈoʊ fˈʌs/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

said to mean that something can be easily done or achieved

What is the origin of the idiom "no muss, no fuss" and when to use it?

The idiom "no muss, no fuss" originated in colloquial American English in the early 20th century. While the precise historical origin is not definitively documented, it is a phrase that has evolved naturally in language to describe straightforward and uncomplicated situations or processes. The use of "muss" and "fuss" in this idiom emphasizes the idea that a task or situation is free from mess or trouble.

walk in the park
Walk in the park
us flag
/wˈɔːk ɪnðə pˈɑːɹk/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

used to refer to a really easy task or undertaking

What is the origin of the idiom "a walk in the park" and when to use it?

The idiom "a walk in the park" is believed to have originated in the United States, but its exact origin is not definitively documented. It likely arose from the idea that taking a leisurely walk in a park is a simple and enjoyable activity, and thus, it came to be used metaphorically to describe tasks or activities that are similarly easy and straightforward.

low-hanging fruit
Low-hanging fruit
us flag
/lˈoʊhˈæŋɪŋ fɹˈuːt/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

the easiest achievable task in a given situation

What is the origin of the idiom "low-hanging fruit" and when to use it?

The idiom "low-hanging fruit" is used to describe tasks or goals that are easily achievable, require minimal effort, or present little challenge. The phrase likely originated from the image of fruit hanging from a tree that is low to the ground and, therefore, easy to reach and pick.

no prizes for guessing
No prizes for guessing
us flag
/nˈoʊ pɹˈaɪzɪz fɔːɹ ɡˈɛsɪŋ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

said to mean that something is very easy to find out

What is the origin of the idiom "no prizes for guessing" and when to use it?

The idiom "no prizes for guessing" is an expression that has evolved naturally in the English language over time. While the exact historical origin is not definitively documented, it is likely derived from the common practice of awarding prizes or recognition for solving puzzles, answering questions, or making correct guesses in various contexts. The phrase is used to convey that a particular piece of information or answer is so evident or easy to discern that no special acknowledgment or reward should be given for guessing it correctly.

(line|path) of least resistance
line of least resistance
us flag
/lˈaɪn pˈæθ ʌv lˈiːst ɹɪsˈɪstəns/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

the fastest or easiest way in which something can be done or dealt with

What is the origin of the idiom "line of least resistance" and when to use it?

The idiom "line of least resistance" is derived from the principles of fluid dynamics and physics. It is based on the observation that in the natural world, fluids like water and air tend to follow the path that offers the least resistance to their flow. This concept is known as the "path of least resistance" and has been applied metaphorically to describe the easiest or most straightforward way to accomplish something with minimal effort or confrontation.

to [be] in smooth [water]
To be in smooth water
us flag
/biː ɪn smˈuːð wˈɔːɾɚ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to experience no or very few difficulties or disruptions, particularly after a period of hardship

What is the origin of the idiom "be in smooth water" and when to use it?

The idiom "be in smooth water" is rooted in nautical terminology. In sailing, "smooth water" refers to calm, undisturbed, and tranquil waters, which are typically easier to navigate than turbulent or rough waters. The phrase has been used figuratively in everyday language to describe situations where things are going well and there are no significant challenges or obstacles.

to [be] {one's} for the (taking|asking)
To be one's for the taking
us flag
/biː wˈʌnz fɚðə tˈeɪkɪŋ ˈæskɪŋ/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to be achievable or available for someone without much difficulty or time

What is the origin of the idiom "be for the taking" and when to use it?

The idiom "be for the taking" is based on the concept of something being readily available or attainable by making a request or taking action. While there is no specific documented origin for this idiom, it likely evolved naturally over time as people described situations or opportunities that could be obtained with relative ease. The idiom emphasizes that the situation is open and accessible to those who choose to pursue it.

to [fall into|drop into|land into] {one's} lap
To fall into one's lap
us flag
/fˈɔːl ˌɪntʊ ɔːɹ dɹˈɑːp ˌɪntʊ ɔːɹ lˈænd ˌɪntʊ wˈʌnz lˈæp/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

to receive something unexpectedly and without effort

What is the origin of the idiom "fall into someone's lap" and when to use it?

The idiom "fall into someone's lap" is used to refer to a situation where something unexpected or fortunate happens to someone without much effort on their part. The origin of this idiom can be traced to the idea of a valuable or desirable object literally falling into someone's lap, as if it were a gift from the heavens. It is often used to describe unexpected opportunities, windfalls, or favorable circumstances.

free ride
Free ride
us flag
/fɹˈiː ɹˈaɪd/
(frikort)

(frikort)

gratis åktur

Fras
DisapprovingDisapproving
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

a benefit that is obtained at the cost or with the effort of another person

What is the origin of the idiom "free ride" and when to use it?

The idiom "free ride" likely originates from the literal concept of getting a ride or transportation without having to pay for it. It is used to describe a situation where someone benefits or takes advantage of something without making an equal or fair contribution. This phrase is often used to express criticism or disapproval when someone is perceived as benefiting from a situation without putting in the effort, cost, or responsibility that others do.

Grammatiska Information:

Sammansatt Substantiv
with one (hand|arm) (tied|) behind {one's} back
With one hand (tied) behind one's back
us flag
/wɪð wˈʌn hˈænd ɔːɹ ˈɑːɹm tˈaɪd ɔːɹ bɪhˌaɪnd wˈʌnz bˈæk/
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Fras
IdiomIdiom
InformalInformal

in an easy manner and without facing many difficulties

What is the origin of the idiom "with one hand behind one's back" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "with one hand behind one's back" is unclear, as it is an idiomatic expression that has been in use for an extended period. The phrase employs a metaphorical concept to convey the idea of accomplishing something effortlessly or with a significant advantage. It is often used to emphasize someone's superior abilities or expertise in a particular field.

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