It\'s not rocket science

The expression It\'s not rocket science is one of the idioms that often finds a place in our literature and enriches our language. However, its meaning is not fully understood, so it is sometimes used in the wrong situations. Please review the explanation carefully for the correct use of the It\'s not rocket science idiom.

Meaning of "It\'s not rocket science"

Meaning

The idiom 'It's not rocket science' is typically used to express the idea that something is not difficult to understand or do. It suggests that the task or concept in question requires no special training or expertise—what is needed for success amounts to no more than common sense.

Etymology

The origins of the expression ‘It’s not rocket science’ are unclear. It is likely a modern variation on the saying 'It's not brain surgery', which dates back to the mid-twentieth century. This idiom was likely inspired by the fact that brain surgery is a very precise and difficult medical procedure that requires great skill and intense concentration to perform. Similarly, rocket science is both precise and difficult, as it requires knowledge of physics and mathematics to design, build, and launch rocket-propelled objects. Interestingly, while 'It's not brain surgery' is still used today, 'It's not rocket science' has become far more popular and is used in a variety of contexts.

Usage

'It's not rocket science' is a common phrase used casually in conversation by people of all age groups. It is frequently used in a humorous manner, often when one is attempting to make a point about a subject that is not particularly difficult to understand or to do. The phrase can also be used in a sarcastic way, as a way to imply that someone should have been able to figure out something without assistance or extra explanation.

Example Sentences

• “Figuring out how to work the remote isn't rocket science, you know.”
• “You don't need to be a scientist to understand the concept—it's not rocket science.”
• “You don't need me to explain it, it's not rocket science after all.”

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.