about as subtle as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "about as subtle as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very obvious or lacking in nuance, often in a humorous or sarcastic context. Example: "His attempt to hide his feelings was about as subtle as a sledgehammer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

That's about as subtle as it gets.

The New York Times

Because it was about as subtle as an anvil.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And yes, "Focus" is about as subtle as a brickbat.

The New York Times

As you can see, the cartoons are about as subtle as a billy club, but those were not subtle times.

The New Yorker

When I walked through the door, I was about as subtle as a train wreck in the fog.

The New York Times

What the critics said "A roaring-boy performance by Peter O'Toole that is about as subtle as a battering ram......

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

"Motorola just tried to sneak the Sholes through the FCC!" they read, highlighting the fact that in this recent report, Motorola only mentions Sholes by name once – and it's about as subtle of a mention as can be.

TechCrunch

Colleges and universities are about as subtle in their quest for attention as Paris Hilton.

The New York Times

California chardonnay made its reputation on big, oaky, buttery wines that were about as subtle and quiet as a monster truck convoy, trumpeting flavors of tropical fruit, butterscotch and popcorn.

The New York Times - Food

That's a conversation for another day, but one thing is for certain: this tone-deaf biopic of the Panamanian prizefighter Roberto Durán, made in conjunction with the Panamanian Film Commission, is about as subtle and welcome as a blow to the head.

The Guardian - Film

During that time, everyone kept asking me about the blue wristband (the look definitely wasn't as subtle as, say, the Nike+ Fuel Band).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about as subtle as" to add humor or sarcasm when describing something that is glaringly obvious or lacks nuance. For example, "His attempt to flirt was about as subtle as a foghorn."

Common error

While effective, the phrase can become predictable if overused. Vary your descriptions with alternatives like "blatantly obvious" or "conspicuously obvious" to maintain freshness and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about as subtle as" functions as an adjectival phrase, typically used to describe a noun by comparing its lack of subtlety to something else equally or even more obvious. It is often used to express irony or sarcasm. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this idiom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "about as subtle as" is a common and effective way to describe something that lacks subtlety, often with a humorous or sarcastic edge. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. It functions as an adjectival phrase that emphasizes the obviousness of a subject by comparing it to something similarly unsubtle. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "blatantly obvious" to keep their writing fresh. The phrase is generally neutral in register, though its humorous potential leans towards informality. Understanding its function and purpose allows for precise and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all subtle

Direct negation of subtlety; a more straightforward expression.

conspicuously obvious

Highlights the obvious nature in a way that is noticeable.

blatantly unsubtle

Emphasizes the lack of subtlety in a flagrant manner.

plain as day

A common idiom indicating something is very easy to see or understand.

impossible to miss

Focuses on the high visibility and lack of concealment.

hardly understated

Highlights the opposite of understatement, indicating exaggeration or loudness.

not exactly delicate

Indicates a lack of finesse or gentleness.

lacking in finesse

Emphasizes the absence of skill or grace in handling a situation.

obvious to everyone

Highlights the broad awareness of something, making it apparent to all.

as clear as mud

An idiomatic expression, used ironically, to describe a lack of clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "about as subtle as" in a sentence?

Use "about as subtle as" to compare something lacking subtlety to something else equally obvious. For instance, "His apology was "about as subtle as a sledgehammer"".

What can I say instead of "about as subtle as"?

You can use alternatives such as "blatantly obvious", "conspicuously obvious", or "plain as day" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as subtle as" instead of "about as subtle as"?

Yes, "as subtle as" is grammatically correct but it has the opposite meaning, implying something is very delicate or understated. "About as subtle as" implies a lack of subtlety. Therefore, using "as subtle as" changes the meaning entirely.

What's the difference between "about as subtle as" and "not subtle at all"?

"About as subtle as" usually employs a comparison to highlight the lack of subtlety, often with humor or sarcasm. "Not subtle at all" is a more direct and neutral statement of the same idea. For example, "His entrance was "about as subtle as a train wreck"" versus "His entrance was "not subtle at all"".