# rocket science

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/rocket-science
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Anything overly complex, detailed, or confusing.

## Examples

- Cooking pasta isn't rocket science.
- The instructions look complicated, but setting up the software isn't rocket science if you follow them step by step.
- To the untrained eye, the contract appeared impenetrable, yet the lawyer assured her client that understanding the fine print was hardly rocket science.

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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.