# it's not rocket science

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/its-not-rocket-science
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

It's not complicated

## Examples

- Cooking pasta is easy; it's not rocket science.
- You just need to follow the instructions on the box because using this new coffee machine is not rocket science.
- While the project requires careful attention to detail, the manager reminded the team that the basic logic behind the software is not rocket science.

## Origin

American, 1980s; rocket science became a byword for extreme difficulty during the post-WWII aerospace boom, when 'rocket scientist' meant the smartest of the smart. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.