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Glite Dictionary
rocket science

rocket science

13 4.6
A thing that is very difficult to understand
  • noun
  • /ˈrɑkɪt ˈsaɪəns/
  • Informal
translation icon : ciencia espacial
  • I mean, it's not rocket science, as we say, right.

So it's not rocket science, but it is challenging.

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Examples

  • "It's not rocket science," he says.

    Academic text (2015)

  • It's not rocket science; anyone can learn to cook with a little practice.

  • And given that it's not rocket science, why are there so few of them?

  • It's not exactly rocket science.

    Rollin' with the Nines (2006)

  • So it's not rocket science, but it is challenging.

    Chris Williamson

  • Installing a car seat isn't rocket science, but it's obviously important to do it right.

    Blog text (20)

  • It's not rocket science: sensible regulation, moderate taxes, and investments to spur job creation and productivity.

    Blog text (33)

  • Defining and passing comprehensive immigration reform is not rocket science; it requires straightforwardly intelligent substance and skillful politics.

    Academic text (2008)

  • She's right; managing your time effectively is not rocket science if you plan ahead.

  • Don't be intimidated by the instructions; it's really not rocket science.

Synonyms

complexity
vsrocket science
166 5.0

Many connected parts make something hard to understand

is used idiomatically to say something is not hard or complicated

Antonyms

simple
∞ 1.0

Easy to understand or do

straightforward
99 3.7

Something that is easy to understand and clear

How Complicated

rocket science
  • Informal
13 4.6
challenge
∞ 3.1

Surface Forms

rocket science singular
rocket sciences plural

Morphology

rocket + science

The meaning 'very complicated or difficult' is directly motivated by combining 'rocket' (advanced, complex technology) with 'science' (systematic, technical knowledge), so the phrase transparently evokes a difficult subject. This metaphorical but highly motivated composition is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will very likely infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

The idiom rocket science comes from the real work of building rockets, which is very hard and needs a lot of skill. So when people say something 'isn't rocket science', they mean it is 'not very difficult' or quite easy.