plain (redirected from plainer)

*in plain language and *in plain English

Fig. in simple, clear, and straightforward language. (*Typically: be ~; put something [into] ~; say something ~; write something ~.) That's too confusing. Please say it again in plain English. Tell me again in plain language.

See also: language

*plain as day and *plain as a pikestaff 

1. Cliché very plain and simple. (*Also: as ~.) Although his face was as plain as day, his smile made him look interesting and friendly. Fred: I have a suspicion that Marcia is upset with me. Alan: A suspicion? Come on, Fred, that's been plain as a pikestaff for quite some time! 2. and *plain as the nose On one's face Cliché clear and understandable. (*Also: as ~.) The lecture was as plain as day. No one had to ask questions. Jane: I don't understand why Professor Potter has been so friendly this week. Alan: It's plain as the nose on your face. He wants to be nominated for Professor of the Year.

See also: day

pure and simple and plain and simple

absolutely; without further complication or elaboration. I told you what you must do, and you must do it, pure and simple. Will you kindly explain to me what it is, pure and simple, that I am expected to do? Just tell me plain and simple, do you intend to go or don't you?

See also: and, pure, simple

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a plain Jane

a woman or girl who is not attractive If she'd been a plain Jane, she wouldn't have had all the attention.

be as clear/plain as day

to be obvious or easy to see She's in love with him - it's as plain as day.

See also: clear, day

be as plain as the nose on your face  (old-fashioned)

to be very obvious There's no doubt that he's interested in her. It's as plain as the nose on your face.

See also: face, nose

be plain sailing

to be very easy The roads were busy as we drove out of town but after that it was plain sailing all the way to the coast.

See be as clear as day

See also: sailing

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(as) plain as day

easy to see or understand The secret to our success is as plain as day - make a good plan and stick to it. I looked at the list and there, plain as day, was my name on the list of winners.

Opposite of: (as) clear as mud

See also: day

pure and simple

plainly, and without having to say anything else They closed the museum because, pure and simple, it cost too much to run. No one talked about issues or referred to facts - it was just gossip, pure and simple.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form purely and simply: It was purely and simply the most marvelous vacation.

See also: and, pure, simple