THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
No-brainer
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Something very easy to decide or obvious.
Usage note: keep in mind
A no-brainer is an informal noun for a decision or task that seems very easy or obvious. Use a before the noun and retain the hyphen. It can sound dismissive if another person finds the decision complicated, so explain your reasons when needed.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Taking the higher-paying job was a no-brainer.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Taking the higher-paying job was a ________.
Show the answer
No-brainer — Something very easy to decide or obvious.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “No-brainer” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Something very easy to decide or obvious.
Compare: Taking the higher-paying job was a no-brainer.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
More examples in context
- For me, choosing the free course with the same materials was a no-brainer.
- Taking an umbrella when heavy rain was forecast seemed like a no-brainer.
Check your understanding
Why might calling someone else's difficult choice a no-brainer be unhelpful?
Check your answer
It may dismiss the factors that make the choice hard for that person. The expression reflects how obvious a decision seems to the speaker.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where no-brainer fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.