(as) plain as a pikestaff

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(as) plain as a pikestaff

Very obvious or noticeable; very easy to understand. It's plain as a pikestaff that they like each other— they've been flirting all night! In the end, the solution was as plain as a pikestaff.

plain as a pikestaff

1 very obvious. 2 ordinary or unattractive in appearance.

This phrase is an alteration of plain as a packstaff , which dates from the mid 16th century, the staff being that of a pedlar, on which he rested his pack of goods for sale. The version with pikestaff had developed by the end of the 16th century

(as) plain as a ˈpikestaff

(as) plain as ˈday

(as) plain as the nose on your ˈface

(informal) easy to see or understand; obvious: It’s as plain as a pikestaff; this government is ruining the economy. ♢ You can’t miss the sign, it’s right there, as plain as the nose on your face.