# 易如反掌

yì rú fǎn zhǎng

Extremely easy to do

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** As easy as turning one's palm

**Register:** Emphatic · general

[Effort & growth](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/effort)

## When to use it

Describe a task requiring little effort.

Ease depends on skill and circumstances.

## Understanding the expression

Turning the palm is a small movement requiring almost no preparation or strain. The expression uses that familiar action as a measure of ease. Speakers apply it to tasks they can complete readily, often because they have the right skill or tools. It can encourage someone, but may sound boastful or dismissive. What is easy for an expert may still be hard for a beginner.

## Examples

这道题对她易如反掌。

### Traditional Chinese

這道題對她易如反掌。

zhè dào tí duì tā yì rú fǎn zhǎng 。

This problem is extremely easy for her.

有备份，恢复文件易如反掌。

### Traditional Chinese

有備份，恢復文件易如反掌。

yǒu bèi fèn ， huī fù wén jiàn yì rú fǎn zhǎng 。

With a backup, restoring the files is very easy.

对熟手来说，换轮胎易如反掌。

### Traditional Chinese

對熟手來說，換輪胎易如反掌。

duì shú shǒu lái shuō ， huàn lún tāi yì rú fǎn zhǎng 。

Changing a tire is very easy for someone experienced.

他说易如反掌，做起来却很慢。

### Traditional Chinese

他說易如反掌，做起來卻很慢。

tā shuō yì rú fǎn zhǎng ， zuò qǐ lái què hěn màn 。

He said it was easy but took ages doing it.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E6%98%93%E5%A6%82%E5%8F%8D%E6%8E%8C)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=78&webMd=1&la=0)

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