Simple as ABC
Meaning
Extremely easy to understand or do, requiring minimal effort or thought.
Origin
Long before standardized tests or complex curricula, the alphabet was the undisputed cornerstone of education. Learning one's 'ABCs' wasn't just a task; it was the very first step into literacy, the initial key to unlocking a world of words and knowledge. This fundamental act, universally understood as the simplest possible beginning, gave birth to the phrase. It became a succinct, evocative way to describe anything requiring minimal effort or comprehension, comparing it to the most basic, effortless building blocks of language itself—a task so simple, even a child could master it.
Examples
- Don't worry about learning the new software; it's simple as ABC once you get the hang of it.
- The instructions for assembling the bookshelf were simple as ABC, even for a beginner.