Easy pickings
Meaning
Something that is easily obtained, acquired, or taken, often with little effort or risk.
Origin
The phrase "easy pickings" likely developed from the literal act of gathering or 'picking' something that required little effort. Imagine a hunter or gatherer finding an abundance of slow-moving prey or ripe, low-hanging fruit—it was effortless to 'pick' them. This literal sense of effortless collection evolved metaphorically, becoming particularly prevalent in the 20th century to describe any situation where a target, whether a competitor, a victim, or a prize, presented minimal resistance. The vulnerable nature of the 'pickings' makes them a simple acquisition, demanding neither skill nor strength from the one taking them.
Examples
- The rival team, weakened by injuries, was easy pickings for the championship favorites.
- The abandoned house, with its unlocked windows, proved to be easy pickings for the opportunistic burglar.