a cinch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cinch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is very easy to do or accomplish. Example: "Completing this puzzle is a cinch; it only took me ten minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cinch!

The New York Times

Breakfast was a cinch.

The Guardian - Travel

Baking is a cinch.

The New York Times

Looks a cinch.

The Guardian - Travel

The first was a cinch.

The Economist

"Fighting supervillains is a cinch.

The New Yorker

It will be a cinch!

The New Yorker

A cinch compared with this.

The New York Times

Step two was a cinch, too.

The New York Times

The second inning was a cinch.

The New York Times - Sports

In winter, that would be a cinch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a cinch" when you want to emphasize the ease of completing a task or overcoming a challenge. It's particularly effective in informal contexts and adds a touch of lightheartedness.

Common error

While "a cinch" is widely understood, avoid using it in formal writing or professional settings where a more serious or technical tone is preferred. Opt for words like "easy", "simple" or "straightforward" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cinch" functions as a subject complement or predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is very easy to accomplish. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears after linking verbs like "is", "was", or "will be".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Lifestyle

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Travel

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "a cinch" is a common and informal way to express that something is very easy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across a range of sources, especially in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember that it's best suited for informal contexts. Alternatives like "easy", "simple" or "straightforward" are preferable in professional or academic settings. Mastering its use can add color to your language while avoiding potential missteps in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a piece of cake

Replaces "a cinch" with another common idiom indicating extreme ease.

a walk in the park

Uses a metaphor to suggest that something is easy and enjoyable.

easy as pie

A simple and direct comparison indicating minimal effort required.

a breeze

Implies that something is effortlessly easy, like being moved by a gentle wind.

no sweat

Informal expression suggesting that a task can be done without difficulty or stress.

a snap

Indicates that something can be done quickly and easily.

effortless

A straightforward adjective describing the lack of required effort.

plain sailing

An idiom that suggests a smooth and uncomplicated process.

duck soup

An older idiom, less common now, but still meaning something very easy.

child's play

Compares the ease of something to a task a child could easily accomplish.

FAQs

How can I use "a cinch" in a sentence?

You can use "a cinch" to describe something very easy to do, for example: "Learning this new software was "a cinch" after the tutorial."

What's a less informal alternative to "a cinch"?

If you're looking for a less informal phrase, consider using "easy", "simple", or "straightforward". These words convey a similar meaning but are suitable for more formal contexts.

Is it correct to say 'it was a cinch to do'?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "a cinch" is often used with the infinitive form of a verb (to do, to learn, to complete) to describe how easy something is. For example, "It was "a cinch" to assemble the furniture."

What are some other idioms similar to "a cinch"?

Several idioms share a similar meaning to "a cinch", including "a piece of cake", "a breeze", and "easy as pie". Each idiom adds a slightly different flavor to the expression of ease.