as plain as day
Meaning
Extremely obvious and easy to see or understand; unmistakably clear.
Origin
It draws on the idea that daylight makes things easy to see; something is ‘plain’ (clearly visible) just like objects in full day light. Recorded in English from the 1800s.
Notes
Strong, emphatic way to say something is obvious. Can sound blunt or accusatory if aimed at a person’s actions or motives.
Examples
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From the emails, it was as plain as day that he knew about the plan.
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The mistake was as plain as day once we looked at the numbers side by side.
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Her disappointment was as plain as day, even though she tried to smile.
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It’s as plain as day that this policy will hurt small businesses.
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When the footage is slowed down, the foul is as plain as day.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed simile pattern: “as plain as day.” Often used predicatively (“It’s as plain as day…”) or as a complement (“made it as plain as day”). Sometimes appears as “plain as day” without the first “as.”
Synonyms
- obvious
- clear as day
- crystal clear
- plain to see
- evident
Antonyms
- unclear
- ambiguous
- obscure
- uncertain