ain’t nothing to it but to do it

phrase

Etymology

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

Meaning & use

  1. 1920–A way of expressing the ease or simplicity of a given situation. Often said out of a desire to reduce complications.
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    1920
    "Easier said than done" … yet " ain't nothin to it but to do it!" Be the latter. We really make excuses. I pray we all get real.
    American Journal of Philology 41 46
    1924
    It's high time my cousin got back on his feet and reclaimed his responsibility to himself and stop attracting all these brain-dead women. Hell, ain't nothing to it but to do it, right?
    A. G. Pretty Glossary Slang & Peculiar Terms A.I.F. typescript, Austral. War Memorial Libr.
    1935
    Ain't nothing to it, but to do it so I did it cause I'm wit it
    ‘G. Ingram’ Cockney Cavalcade ix. 146
    1942
    Truman conceded there have been some rough spots along the road from Broadway to Hollywood-both in his personal life and his career-and nodded when reminded that he was nonetheless survived. "Ain't nothin' to it but to do it," he smiled and shrugged.
    N. T. AldersonH. H. Smith Bride goes West iii. 35
    1954
    There ain't nothing to it/But to do it
    R. Fabian London after Dark ii. 103
    1960
    "You know I'm here for you, man. When it comes to raising a family with the woman you love, the old saying applies." Darius held up his open palms. "Ain't nothing to it but to do it."
    D. Dohen Women in Wonderland xii. 200
    1964
    "I don't know how to dance," she complained. "Ain't nothing to it but to do it," Jordan said, pulling her out of her seat.
    Listener 31 December 1053/2
    1999
    Calm down Lady one of the musicians told her/ain't nothing to it/but to do it.
    T. AyersP. Brown Essent. Guide Lesbian & Gay Weddings revised edition xiv. 184

See also