1-2-3
Child's first count
1-2-3 is a count preceding action—the final moment before something begins.
A photographer says 1-2-3 before taking the shot.
Someone lifting a heavy object with others counts 1-2-3 to synchronize effort.
The phrase implies simplicity: It's as easy as 1-2-3.
Lotus 1-2-3 was pioneering spreadsheet software of the 1980s.
Dance in three-quarter time
- salsaSpicy tomato condiment
- tangoLatin ballroom with sharp stops
- cha-chaSyncopated Latin partner dance
- foxtrotSmooth partner dance
quickstep · ballroom · choreography · box step · count · rhythm · tempo · beat
Set into motion
- blastoffRocket launch moment
- liftoffMoment of ascent
- ignitionStarting combustion process
- sequenceOrdered succession of elements
rocket · mission control · spacecraft · starting gun · timer · zero · count off · anticipation
Underlying support structure
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- introductoryServing as a beginning
- fundamentalsCore elements of something
- first stepsInitial actions taken
ABCs · building blocks · groundwork · starting point · primer · essentials · rudiments · learn the ropes
Idiomatic easy task
- child's playSomething extremely easy
- no sweatCasual assurance of ease
- effortlessRequiring no strain
- simpleFree of complexity
straightforward · uncomplicated · breeze · painless · foolproof · idiot-proof · plain sailing · snap
waltz
Dance in three-quarter time
- salsaSpicy tomato condiment
- tangoLatin ballroom with sharp stops
- cha-chaSyncopated Latin partner dance
foxtrot · quickstep · ballroom · choreography · box step · count · rhythm · tempo · beat · partner
launch
Set into motion
sequence · rocket · mission control · spacecraft · starting gun · timer · zero · count off · anticipation · suspense
foundation
Underlying support structure
- beginnerOne who lacks experience
- introductoryServing as a beginning
- fundamentalsCore elements of something
first steps · ABCs · building blocks · groundwork · starting point · primer · essentials · rudiments · learn the ropes · baby steps
piece of cake
Idiomatic easy task
- child's playSomething extremely easy
- no sweatCasual assurance of ease
- effortlessRequiring no strain
simple · straightforward · uncomplicated · breeze · painless · foolproof · idiot-proof · plain sailing · snap · cinch
1-2-3rocket science
Spacecraft propulsion engineering
brain surgery · complicated · complex · difficult · hard