English idiom

plain sailing

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

an activity or process that continues easily and without difficulties

Word picture

An uncomplicated task is pictured as a sailing journey across clear water with no obstacles blocking the route.

Example

“Once the permit arrived, the rest of the renovation was plain sailing.”

Dictionary details

Component words

plain sailing

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

smooth sailing

easy, uninterrupted progress without problems

break the back of

to get past the main obstacle so that the remaining work becomes easier

weather the storm

survive a difficult period without suffering lasting damage

a piece of cake

Something that is very easy to do.

so far so good

used to say that things have gone well up to now

alive and kicking

still healthy, active, or functioning despite age or difficulty

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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