one-banana problem
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Derived from the idea that trained monkeys can do low-level jobs, working for bananas. It also may come from Sherlock Holmes lore; see three-pipe problem.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun[edit]
one-banana problem (plural one-banana problems)
- (computing, slang) A problem that should be easily resolved.
- It's only a one-banana problem at the most; what's taking them so long?
Usage notes[edit]
The phrase is used at technical worksites, where routine computer system administrative tasks such as daily backup are handled by operators, and it is claimed that a trained monkey could do the jobs. At IBM, folklore divides the world into one-, two-, and three-banana problems.