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