elementary, my dear Watson
Simple logical conclusion
A catchphrase expressing that something is obvious or easily deduced, associated with Sherlock Holmes addressing his companion Dr.
Watson.
Though the exact phrase never appears in Arthur Conan Doyle's original stories, it became iconic through film adaptations.
Used when explaining something that seems self-evident: How did you know it was him? Elementary, my dear Watson—he was the only one with muddy shoes.
- SherlockIconic Victorian-era investigator
- HolmesFictional London investigator
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- deductionConclusion from premises
- sleuthPrivate investigator
clue · murder mystery · mystery · obvious · simple · Watson · consulting detective · pipe · magnifying glass · deerstalker hat · London · London fog · fog · Victorian · Arthur Conan Doyle · investigate · deduce · logical
elementary, my dear Watsonbaffling
Impossible to understand
incomprehensible · inscrutable · labyrinthine · mind-boggling · inexplicable
elementary, my dear Watsonbeats me
Admission of ignorance
unfathomable · inexplicable · the plot thickens · curiouser and curiouser