Definition

1. Noun:
   • Easy, unobstructed progress: A situation or process that proceeds smoothly and without difficulty.

Usage

• Noun:
  • Used to describe a task, project, or period of time that is straightforward and free from complications.
  • Typically follows a period of difficulty, implying that the challenging part is over.
  • Often used with verbs like be, become, or find something.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Once we secured the funding, the rest of the project was plain sailing.
  • The initial setup was tricky, but it's been plain sailing ever since.
  • Don't worry, after you learn the basics, it will be plain sailing.

Advanced Usage

• "to find something plain sailing": To discover that a task is easy.
  • I was nervous about the exam, but I actually found it plain sailing.
• "not all plain sailing": Used to indicate that a situation is not completely without problems.
  • The merger has been successful, but it hasn't been all plain sailing.

Variants and Related Words

• Smooth sailing (noun): A near-identical synonym for "plain sailing," meaning easy progress.
  • With the new software, the data entry is smooth sailing.
• Plain-sail (verb, archaic): To sail in an easy, straightforward manner. (Note: This is a related but distinct and rarely used verb form.)

Synonyms

• A breeze: Something very easy to do.
• Child's play: Something very simple or easy.
• Easy going: Progressing without effort or difficulty.

Related Idioms

• Clear sailing: Another idiom with the same meaning as "plain sailing."
  • Once we get past this legal hurdle, it should be clear sailing.
• Like a dream: Used to describe something that happens very easily and successfully.
  • The event went like a dream; it was plain sailing from start to finish.

Noun

1. easy unobstructed progress
   • after we solved that problem the rest was plain sailing