A cinch

Meaning

"A cinch" is an idiom that means something that is very easy to do or understand, or something that is not difficult to deal with. The figurative meaning of the idiom is that a task or situation is so straightforward that it seems like a snap or a breeze.

Usage

• "The math problem was a cinch for her."
• "She handled the interview smoothly, making it seem like a piece of cake."
• "The presentation was a cinch for him as he knew his material inside and out."
• "Getting through the airport security was a cinch with the new passport control system."
• "Despite the initial chaos, they managed to complete the project on time, making it seem like a walk in the park." The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. It can be used to describe tasks that are relatively easy or straightforward, but also more difficult and challenging ones. For example, someone may say "completing the marathon was a cinch" even though it is a very demanding physical feat.

Roots and History

The idiom "a cinch" has its origins in the 16th century, when it was used to describe something that was easy to do or understand. The word "cinch" comes from the Spanish word "cincha," which means a belt or girdle. In the 17th century, the idiom was associated with making something seem like a snap or a breeze, and by the 18th century, it had taken on its current figurative meaning.

Synonyms in English

• A piece of cake
• A walk in the park
• Child's play
• A doddle
• A snap

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "Pasear por el parque" (to take a walk in the park)
• French - "C'était un plaisir" (it was a pleasure)
• German - "Es ging sehr gut" (it went very well)
• Italian - "Fatto" (done)
• Portuguese - "Feito" (done)

Similar Idioms

• a piece of cake

• as a matter of fact

• right as rain