English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Plain as day
Meaning
The idiom "plain as day" means something that is very easy to understand or clear to see, often because it is obvious or evident. It can also indicate that something is straightforward and uncomplicated.
Usage
- The solution to the problem was plain as day once I saw it.
- She was obviously lying, but she tried to make it look like nothing was wrong.
- The evidence in the case was so clear that it was plain as day who was guilty.
- He had no idea what he was doing, and it showed on his face.
- The movie was so predictable that everything happened in plain as day.
Roots and History
The idiom "plain as day" has been used in English since at least the 17th century. It is derived from the Old Norse phrase "ljaðr afla", which means "make it clear". This phrase was used in Middle English under the form "plaine". The meaning of the idiom has remained mostly consistent over time, although it may have become more figurative and metaphorical in modern usage.
Synonyms in English
- Obvious
- Evident
- Clear
- Simple
- Straightforward
Synonyms in other languages
- 显而易见 (Chinese)
- היום אתה ברך שנים זהיעו (Hebrew)
- פשטן מעלו בדויך (Hebrew)
- אוכלחעות (Hebrew)
- גליים (Hebrew)