Meaning of elementary, my dear Watson | Babel Free

Definitions

Used to emphasize that the speaker's deductive abilities are better than those of the listener.

Equivalents

Examples

“The possibility of signaling to the planet Mars is merely a question of elementary mathematics. […] It is such a simple little problem that any one should be able to take a pad and pencil and work it out in ten minutes. "Elementary, my dear Watson," as Sherlock Holmes was wont to say. "Elementary."”

“"I fancy," said Psmith, "that this is one of those moments when it is necessary for me to unlimber my Sherlock Holmes system. […] Do you follow me, Comrade Maloney?" / "That's right," said Billy Windsor. "Of course." / "Elementary, my dear Watson, elementary," murmured Psmith.”

“What have we for lunch? Stew? How did I know? Elementary, my dear Watson—the smell of onions is unmistakable.”

“Elementary, my dear Watson! There's an invisible element in the cabinet, a character that, without making itself known, gives coherence to and makes systemic all the braying of the government team. A boss to whose command everyone submits.”

“"Seems like you've got it all figured out, but if I was FBI, why would I go in alone and risk my life to save you? Why wouldn't I call in the troops and end this once and for all?" / "Elementary, my dear Watson. You don't know who to trust either. You're in the same position as me.[…]"”

CEFR level