Doddle
n.joyful, capableplayful
What it means
In British informal English, a task that is pleasantly easy to do.
Reach for it when describing a task that becomes almost effortless with the right preparation or tool
With every cable labeled, setting up the projector was a doddle.
Choose between these
6- playful
breeze
when a task feels light and effortless
not when Breeze is more widely understood but can sound boastful when others found the task difficult.
- playful
piece of cake
when friendly, familiar speech should emphasize ease
not when Reports, instructions, and dignified praise need a less casual expression.
- playful
snap
when a task can be completed quickly with little thought
not when Snap may suggest speed and is unclear outside the phrase a snap.
- everyday
when success or ease feels virtually assured
not when Cinch is chiefly North American and can imply certainty rather than simple execution.
- everyday
walkover
when a contest is won with almost no resistance
not when Walkover fits competition and is wrong for an ordinary household or technical task.
- literary
child's play
when the task is simple compared with a harder one
not when Child's play can belittle another person's effort or invoke children unnecessarily.
Said against
3- ordeal
- challenge
- struggle
It naturally appears in
3- absolute doddle
The color-coded form made registration an absolute doddle.
- a doddle to use
The new latch is a doddle to use even with gloves on.
- make it a doddle
Clear labels make it a doddle to return every tool correctly.
Where this comes from
- Wiktionary, English noun, informal British sense: an easy task opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.