The English We Speak 8 January 2013

Not rocket science

(Sound of a rocket being launched) Kaz: Yang Li: Kaz: Yang Li: Kaz: Yang Li: Kaz: Yang Li: Kaz: Hello, I'm Kaz. And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz, why are we listening to this rocket launch? Well, it's dramatic, but there's another reason. I thought it could introduce today's expression. Tell me more. The expression is 'It's not rocket science'. 'It's not rocket science', meaning? Something that's not complicated or difficult to understand 'it's not rocket science'. For example? OK. Somebody can't get the television to work and asks you, "How do I switch this thing on?" You would say "It's not rocket science. Just press 'on' on the handset". So there's nothing complicated about it. You just press the 'on' switch and away you go. But is the expression 'it's not rocket science' only used for gadgets? No, not at all, Li. In fact it's used for many situations that are just obvious for example why are we always short of money? Well, it's not rocket science Kaz we don't get paid enough! Brilliant Li. That's an excellent example. Yes, I like it too. But let's listen to some more examples:

Yang Li:

Kaz:

Yang Li: Kaz: Yang Li: Examples

A: How do I cook this soup? B: Come on Rob, it's not rocket science, all you have to do is open the tin and heat it up. C: I can't understand why our company is in such a mess? D: It's not rocket science to figure that out there are too many managers!

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Yang Li:

OK Kaz, the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is used for situations that are obvious. But I get the feeling that the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is quite informal, right? You're right Li. So please use with care! Absolutely. It's usually used with the negative 'It's not rocket science'. Well, I'm sure of one thing Kaz. What's that Li? Presenting this programme is not exactly rocket science it's easy! Bye!

Kaz: Yang Li: Kaz: Yang Li: Kaz: Yang Li: Both:

(Sound of a rocket being launched)

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