blindingly obvious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blindingly obvious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize something that is obviously true or conspicuous. Example sentence: "It's blindingly obvious that he's lying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't that blindingly obvious?

Independent

"It's blindingly obvious.

The New York Times

The answer seems blindingly obvious.

The Economist

> it blindingly obvious what went wrong.

Harvard University

The connection is blindingly obvious.

The Guardian

That's so blindingly obvious to me.

The Guardian - Music

Boy, that's a blindingly obvious insight.

The New Yorker

Britain's headteachers today claimed the blindingly obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they are, of course, blindingly obvious.

The Guardian - Opinion

The economic possibilities are blindingly obvious.

The Guardian - Sport

SOMETIMES, the blindingly obvious is not actually correct.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "blindingly obvious" to express that something is incredibly clear and requires no further explanation. It's most effective when emphasizing a point that others might have overlooked or when expressing mild exasperation at someone's lack of understanding.

Common error

While "blindingly obvious" can be effective, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your tone sound condescending or sarcastic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "obvious" or "clear" in many cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blindingly obvious" functions as an adverbial modifier, intensifying the adjective "obvious". It underscores the clarity and undeniable nature of a fact or situation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "blindingly obvious" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the unmistakable clarity of a statement or situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its casual tone makes it suitable for everyday conversation, it's important to avoid overuse to prevent sounding condescending. Consider alternatives like "patently clear" or "self-evident" in more formal settings. Ultimately, using "blindingly obvious" effectively means recognizing when its emphatic tone will enhance your message without alienating your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patently clear

Highlights the undeniable and easily perceived nature of something.

plain as day

Emphasizes the straightforward and easily visible nature of something.

crystal clear

Focuses on the transparency and lack of ambiguity.

self-evident

Indicates that something is obvious without needing proof.

readily apparent

Stresses the ease with which something can be noticed or understood.

impossible to miss

Highlights how noticeable and unavoidable something is.

too obvious to mention

Implies that something is so clear it need not be stated.

clear as a bell

Emphasizes the clarity and distinctness of something.

unmistakable

Focuses on the impossibility of misunderstanding or mistaking something.

easily understood

Highlights the simplicity and accessibility of something.

FAQs

How can I use "blindingly obvious" in a sentence?

You can use "blindingly obvious" to describe something that is extremely clear or easily understood. For instance, "It's "blindingly obvious" that he's not telling the truth".

What are some alternatives to "blindingly obvious"?

Alternatives include "patently clear", "plain as day", or "self-evident", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "blindingly obvious" formal or informal?

"Blindingly obvious" leans towards informal usage due to its slightly expressive nature. While acceptable in many contexts, consider more neutral terms like "clearly evident" in highly formal settings.

When is it appropriate to use "blindingly obvious"?

Use "blindingly obvious" when you want to emphasize how incredibly clear something is, especially if you feel the need to highlight that others should also recognize it. However, be cautious to avoid sounding arrogant or condescending.