Phrase guide

rocket surgery

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

Anything overly complex, detailed, or confusing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous, idiomatic, uncountable

Examples

  • It's not rocket surgery. Just screw in the bulb and flip the switch.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rocket science, brain surgery

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

A deliberate mixed metaphor combining rocket science and brain surgery.