Yang Li: And I'm Yang Li. Hey Kaz, why are we listening to this rocket launch?
Kaz: Well, it's dramatic, but there's another reason. I thought it could introduce today's expression.
Yang Li: Tell me more.
Kaz: The expression is 'It's not rocket science'.
Yang Li: 'It's not rocket science', meaning?
Kaz: Something that's not complicated or difficult to understand - 'it's not rocket science'.
Yang Li: For example?
Kaz: OK. Somebody can't get the television to work and asks you, "How do I switch this thing on?" You would say "It's not rocket science. Just press 'on' on the handset".
Yang Li: So there's nothing complicated about it. You just press the 'on' switch and away you go. But is the expression 'it's not rocket science' only used for gadgets?
Kaz: No, not at all, Li. In fact it's used for many situations that are just obvious... for example - why are we always short of money?
Yang Li: Well, it's not rocket science Kaz - we don't get paid enough!
Kaz: Brilliant Li. That's an excellent example.
Yang Li: Yes, I like it too. But let's listen to some more examples:
How do I cook this soup? Come on Rob, it's not rocket science, all you have to do is open the tin and heat it up. I can't understand why our company is in such a mess? It's not rocket science to figure that out - there are too many managers!
Yang Li: OK Kaz, the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is used for situations that are obvious. But I get the feeling that the phrase 'it's not rocket science' is quite informal, right?
Kaz: You're right Li. So please use with care!
Yang Li: Absolutely.
Kaz: It's usually used with the negative 'It's not rocket science'.
Yang Li: Well, I'm sure of one thing Kaz.
Kaz: What's that Li?
Yang Li: Presenting this programme is not exactly rocket science - it's easy!