Why do we say "Elementary, my dear Watson"?

Well-Known Expressions

Elementary, my dear Watson

Meaning:

It's straightforward/simple

Background:

Almost everyone will recognize this expression as being from the mouth of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes - but it is not found in any of Arthur Conan Doyle's books. The expression has its origin in the 1929 movie The Return of Sherlock Holmes directed by Basil Dean, and written by Basil Dean, Arthur Conan Doyle and Garrett Fort, with Clive Brook in the role of Holmes.

Alphabetical list of expressions

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