in plain English

Idioms  

1. In clear, straightforward language, as in The doctor's diagnosis was too technical; please tell us what he meant in plain English. [c. 1500] Also see in so many words.

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Example Sentences

Rubin’s skills, former colleagues say, included an encyclopedic recall, the ability to explain his bets in plain English and a high threshold for risk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 18, 2026

Here’s the investment case in plain English: The science works.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

"Instead of juggling 10 links with search, you get a brief synthesis that you can edit and iterate in plain English," he says.

From BBC • Sep. 15, 2025

“The agreement that they’re trying to enforce against Mr. Schrader, in plain English, required both parties to sign it before it became legally effective,” Kessler told the AP.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2025

She could at least give them names in plain English, you would think.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• especially
• i.e.
• particularly
• specially
• specifically