- Means something is very easy, effortless, and quick to do.
- Evokes the feeling of a light, easy movement, like being carried by a gentle wind.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from the nautical world. A 'breeze' is a gentle wind, making sailing easy and pleasant.
- The term 'breeze' started being used metaphorically for something easy or effortless around the late 19th or early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Super easy
- Dead easy (UK/Aus)
- Simple AF (AF = as fuck, vulgar slang)
- Light work
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Easy as fuck / Easy as shit
- A fucking breeze
Milder:
- Very straightforward
- Quite simple
- No trouble at all
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Very common, generally positive and reassuring.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might think of a literal wind (breeze). The metaphorical connection to 'easiness' needs explanation.
Examples
- The registration process was a breeze; it only took five minutes online.
- With the new software update, managing files is a breeze.
- Don't worry about driving there; traffic is light today, it'll be a breeze.
Dialogue
Chen: How was your flight check-in? Long lines?
Maria: Nope, it was a breeze! I used the self-service kiosk and was done in two minutes.
Chen: Nice! Wish all airports were like that.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Just set up my new smart home device. Thought it would be complicated, but the app made it a breeze! #SmartHome #Tech
- Blog Review: Using this new photo editing software is a breeze. Intuitive interface and great results.
- Comment: Thanks for the recipe! Making it was a breeze and it tasted amazing!
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Great!, That's good to hear., Awesome.
- Relief: Oh, fantastic! I was expecting it to be difficult.
- Asking for confirmation: Really? That easy?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing something is a breeze:
- Expressing happiness or relief.
- Asking why it was so easy (e.g., What made it such a breeze?).
- Deciding to proceed with the task now that it's known to be easy.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Used to describe the ease of a task or process, often in response to a query.
Intonation
- Said with a light, confident, or relieved tone.
- Stress usually on breeze. It's a BREEZE.
Generation Differences
- Widely used and understood by all generations.
Regional Variations
- Common idiom in all major English-speaking regions.