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.
| playful |
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| everyday | |
| literary |
playful
breeze
Fits when a task feels light and effortless
Careful Breeze is more widely understood but can sound boastful when others found the task difficult.
playful
piece of cake
Fits when friendly, familiar speech should emphasize ease
Careful Reports, instructions, and dignified praise need a less casual expression.
playful
snap
Fits when a task can be completed quickly with little thought
Careful Snap may suggest speed and is unclear outside the phrase a snap.
everyday
Fits when success or ease feels virtually assured
Careful Cinch is chiefly North American and can imply certainty rather than simple execution.
everyday
walkover
Fits when a contest is won with almost no resistance
Careful Walkover fits competition and is wrong for an ordinary household or technical task.
literary
child's play
Fits when the task is simple compared with a harder one
Careful Child's play can belittle another person's effort or invoke children unnecessarily.
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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Vealhurl, Southern England accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated
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