answer on a postcard: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "answer on a postcard" has long been used in the English language to express the idea of providing a brief and concise response or solution to a question or problem. In the past, when postcards were a popular means of communication, they were often used to send short messages or greetings. The limited space available on a postcard necessitated brevity and clarity in the messages written on them. This association between postcards and succinctness is reflected in the idiom "answer on a postcard."

When postcards were widely used, they served as a convenient method for keeping in touch, especially while traveling or on vacation. Their small and lightweight design made them easily portable, and their limited writing space encouraged senders to get straight to the point when composing their messages. This has led to the association of postcards with brevity and conciseness, which is what the idiom "answer on a postcard" aims to convey.

As an idiom, "answer on a postcard" suggests that a response or solution should be brief and to the point. It implies that there is no need for lengthy explanations or details, and that a concise answer will suffice. You may hear it used in informal or colloquial settings, and its meaning can slightly vary depending on the context.

One interesting aspect of this idiom is its occasional use in an ironic or humorous manner. Sometimes, when someone asks a question to which the answer is obvious or widely known, the idiom may be employed sarcastically. For example, if someone asks "What is two plus two?" and another person responds with a sarcastic tone, saying "Well, that's a tough one, let me think... hmm, I'll have to get back to you on a postcard." This usage serves as a playful way of highlighting the simplicity or common knowledge of the question.

It's worth noting that the usage of the idiom "answer on a postcard" may decline in the future due to the decreasing prevalence of physical postcards in the age of digital communication. As technology advances and traditional forms of communication become less popular, the association between postcards and brevity may become less relevant. However, for now, the idiom continues to be used in various contexts to convey the idea of a concise and succinct response.

The idiom "in the post" is related to the idiom "answer on a postcard" in that it also refers to communication through the mail system. When something is "in the post," it means that it has been sent, usually by mail, and is on its way to the recipient. This idiom can be used to indicate that something is expected to arrive soon, such as a package or a letter. However, it is important to note that "in the post" does not necessarily imply brevity or succinctness, unlike "answer on a postcard."

Another related idiom is "in words of one syllable." This phrase is used to describe the use of simple and easily understandable language to explain something complex or difficult. It suggests that the speaker should avoid using technical terms or jargon and instead use plain and straightforward language to ensure clear communication. While this idiom emphasizes simplicity and clarity, it is not directly linked to the brevity implied by "answer on a postcard."

The idiom "answer on a postcard" conveys the idea of providing a concise and succinct response or solution to a question or problem. Its association with postcards reflects the historical context of limited writing space, which necessitated brevity and clarity in messages. While technology may impact the usage of physical postcards in the future, the idiom continues to be used to convey the concept of a brief answer. The related idioms "in the post" and "in words of one syllable" are also connected to communication, but they do not directly imply the brevity or succinctness highlighted by "answer on a postcard."