plain and simple
Straightforward and basic
Plain and simple emphasizes that something is straightforward and uncomplicated, with no hidden meaning or qualification: It was a mistake, plain and simple.
The phrase typically follows a blunt statement for emphasis, insisting the matter needs no further analysis or excuse.
- no two ways about itExpressing absolute certainty
- straight upUndiluted and unchilled
- tell it like it isSpeak with complete candor
- directlyWithout intermediary steps
- evidentClearly perceived or understood
cut and dried · uncomplicated · obvious · black and white · open and shut · manifest · straightforward · matter of fact · stark · explicit · in so many words · forthright · authentic · unpretentious · down to earth · bare · stripped-down · no frills
- expressions of simplicityeasy, basic, clear, straightforward, uncomplicated
- summariessummary, synopsis, summaries, abstract, abstracts
- emphaticsabsolutely, certainly, definitely, emphasis, indeed
plain and simpleelaborate
Complex and detailed
complicated · complex · ornate · intricate · fancy
plain and simplecryptic
Obscure in meaning
obscure · ambiguous · enigmatic · convoluted · opaque
plain and simplequalified
Meeting necessary standards
hedged · conditional · complicated · tentative · equivocal
plain, simple, plainly, plainness, plains, plainer, plainest, simply, simpleness