no-brainer
UK[ˌnəʊ ˈbreɪ.nər]US[ˌnoʊ ˈbreɪ.nɚ]
n
a decision or choice that is very easy to make because the correct option is obvious
n
a question or problem that is extremely simple to solve
Morpheme Breakdown
no
brain
er
no
brain
er
Etymology
The term "no-brainer" is a modern American English compound, first attested in the mid-20th century. It is constructed from the simple, native English elements "no," "brain," and the agent suffix "-er." The literal logic is transparent: a decision or problem that requires "no brain" or minimal intellectual effort to resolve. This vivid colloquialism metaphorically equates mental effort with the physical organ, creating an instantly understandable concept for an obvious choice or simple task. Its formation follows a common pattern in informal English for creating expressive, figurative nouns, such as "go-getter" or "eye-opener."
Analysis
Structure: no + brain + er
- no (Old English): A negative particle, meaning "not any" or "lack of".
- brain (Old English): Refers to the organ of thought and intelligence.
- er (Old English): An agent noun suffix, indicating "a person or thing associated with".
Examples
Choosing the cheaper flight with better times was a complete no-brainer.
The first question on the test was an absolute no-brainer for anyone who read the chapter.
Investing in that company at the time seemed like a no-brainer, given its potential.