ain’t nothing to it

phrase

Etymology

Formed by compounding the contraction ain't + the noun nothing + the preposition to + the noun it. See ODE-NOAD ain't, contr., OED nothing, n., OED to, prep., OED it, n.

Meaning & use

  1. 1904–Originally said in response to the question "How are you?" or "What's up?" In later use, said to express the ease or simplicity of a given situation.
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    1904
    "Nobi," he said. "There ain't nothing to it. They do all the work. You don't have to pedal or nothing."
    Temple Bar June 676
    1984
    Ain't nothing to it, Jones, all you gotta do is to be cool.
    ‘Mr. Fresh & the Supreme Rockers’ Breakdancing 35
    1986
    Ain't nothing to it man you got it baby.
    Arizona Daily Star 8 September (Accent section) b1/1
    1990
    There ain't nothing to it but Charley, and he ain't much-that is, he ain't very big, avoirdupoisely speaking.
    Santa Fe New Mexican 3 August 27
    1991
    Ain't nothing to it, Jake. Look, when the Reds start something, we put 'em down, see?
    Albuquerque New Mexico Journal 19 October d5/1
    1998
    BOY WILLIE: Ain't nothing to it. You just grab him by his neck and twist it.
    Billboard 27 June 30/2
    1998
    Ain't Nothing to It...Boss: It's Official, Jay-Z Is a Billionaire (title).
    M. L. Bose Social & Cultural Hist. Ancient India ed. 2 v. 76