plain as a haystack
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Synonym of plain as day.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
`Two things are clear to me,' I said, addressing my three companions, who stared at this spectacle in dismay: `first, that we can't go across there' (I pointed to the swamp), `and, secondly, that if we stop here we shall certainly die of fever.' `That's as plain as a haystack, sir,' said Job.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “plain as a haystack” mean?
Synonym of plain as day.
Is “plain as a haystack” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.