no-frills: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘no-frills’ mean?
The idiom "no-frills" means basic or without any unnecessary or luxurious features. It refers to something that is simple, straightforward, and without any extra embellishments or additions.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "off-the-shelf" refers to something that is readily available and does not require any additional customization or special order.
The idiom "off-the-cuff" means to say or do something spontaneously or without preparation.
The idiom "no two ways about it" means that there is only one possible way to do or think about something. It emphasizes that there are no other options or alternatives to consider.
The idiom "not worth a dime" means something or someone does not have any value or is not valuable. It suggests that the thing or person is not worth even a small amount of money.
The idiom "not to put too fine a point on it" means to say something without being overly precise or explicit, typically to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
The idiom "not much of anything" means a lack of substance, value, or importance. It implies that there is very little or almost nothing in terms of quantity, quality, or significance.
The idiom "no time" is used to express a lack of available time or the urgency of completing a task or action quickly.
The idiom "nothing to write home about" means that something is not impressive or noteworthy. It is used to describe things that are average or unremarkable.
The Essence Explained
The idiom "no-frills" originated in the early 1960s and is still widely used today. It refers to something that is basic, plain, or stripped of unnecessary embellishments or extra features. When something is described as "no-frills," it means that it doesn't have any extra or special elements. Instead, it focuses on providing exactly what is necessary without any extra bells and whistles.
The phrase "no-frills" can be traced back to the aviation industry, particularly in the context of low-cost airlines. In the 1970s, some airlines decided to adopt a simplified approach to air travel. They eliminated certain amenities and services in order to reduce costs and offer more affordable fares. These airlines were known as "no-frills" airlines because they didn't offer the added benefits that were traditionally associated with air travel.
The concept of "no-frills" also extends to the retail industry. It is often used to describe products or stores that provide essential items without any fancy packaging, branding, or extravagant displays. In other words, these products or stores focus on offering the necessities without any extra frills. They are marketed as budget-friendly alternatives to more expensive options.
But the term "no-frills" isn't limited to just business and consumer goods. It can also be applied to various aspects of life. People may adopt a "no-frills" attitude towards fashion, for example, preferring simple and functional clothing over trendy or flashy garments. Taking a "no-frills" approach means valuing practicality and simplicity over unnecessary extravagance.
The idiom "no-frills" has become ingrained in the everyday language of English speakers. It is often used to express a desire for simplicity, practicality, and value. When someone says that something "goes without saying," they mean that it is so obvious or well-known that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated. Similarly, when something is described as "nothing special," it means that it is ordinary or unremarkable. These idioms can be applied to the concept of "no-frills" because "no-frills" emphasizes simplicity and the absence of anything extra or special.
The idiom "no-frills" refers to something that is basic, plain, or stripped of unnecessary embellishments or extra features. It originated in the aviation industry but has since expanded to other areas, such as retail and personal life. When something is described as "no-frills," it means that it is focused on providing the essentials without any extra bells and whistles. This concept can be related to idioms such as "goes without saying" and "nothing special," which also emphasize simplicity and the absence of anything extra or special.
Example usage
Examples of the idiom "no-frills" used in a sentence:
- The budget airline offers no-frills flights at affordable prices.
- I prefer shopping at the no-frills grocery store because they have lower prices.
- The hotel has a no-frills approach, providing basic accommodations without any fancy amenities.
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