What does “Plain as a pikestaff” mean?
"Plain as a pikestaff" means that something is very clear or obvious.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The answer to the riddle was plain as a pikestaff.
Example
It was plain as a pikestaff that he was lying.
Example
The solution to the problem was plain as a pikestaff once I saw it
Is “Plain as a pikestaff” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Plain as a pikestaff” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Plain as a pikestaff” effectively in context?
You can use "Plain as a pikestaff" to emphasize that something is very clear or obvious. It is often used when stating a fact or when expressing certainty about a situation. For example, if someone asks you for the answer to a riddle and it is obvious to you, you might say, 'The answer is "plain as a pikestaff" - it's a cat!'
- 1Solving a Riddle
The answer to the riddle was plain as a pikestaff.
- 2Detecting a Lie
It was plain as a pikestaff that he was lying.
- 3Finding a Solution
The solution to the problem was plain as a pikestaff once I saw it.
Similar phrases to “Plain as a pikestaff”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Plain as a pikestaff” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Plain as a pikestaff" is unknown.
Is “Plain as a pikestaff” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Plain as a pikestaff" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
What tone does “Plain as a pikestaff” have?
"Plain as a pikestaff" conveys a tone of certainty and clarity. It is often used to assert that something is undeniably clear or obvious.
Can “Plain as a pikestaff” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Plain as a pikestaff" is more formal in nature and is often used in written or formal spoken English. It may sound overly formal or old-fashioned in casual conversations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Plain as a pikestaff" is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The evidence was "plain as a pikestaff".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's "plain as a pikestaff"!' to imply that something is obvious.
