Wordxplr

The meaning and origin of interesting English phrases

There's an app for that

Meaning

This phrase suggests that a software application exists to solve almost any problem or fulfill nearly any need, highlighting the ubiquitous nature of modern technology.

Origin

The now-ubiquitous phrase, "There's an app for that," didn't just appear out of thin air; it was a carefully crafted declaration by Apple Inc. In 2009, as the iPhone and its revolutionary App Store began to transform how people interacted with technology, Apple launched a massive advertising campaign centered around this catchy slogan. Each ad would present a common dilemma or desire—like finding a good restaurant, tracking your run, or learning a new language—and then dramatically reveal how an app on the iPhone could perfectly solve it. The campaign wasn't just selling phones; it was selling the idea that the digital world held a solution for nearly every aspect of daily life, cementing the phrase into our lexicon as a testament to endless technological possibility.

Examples

  • When she mentioned struggling to manage her budget, John immediately replied, "There's an app for that, I use one that's really helpful."
  • My friend was complaining about remembering to water all her plants, and I just smiled and said, "Don't worry, there's an app for that to remind you."
← All phrases