plain as a pikestaff

English

Pronunciation

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Adjective

plain as a pikestaff (not comparable)

1. (simile) Extremely clear and plain to see.
   • 1922, James Joyce, Ulysses Episode 12, The Cyclops

     --Don't you know he's dead? says Joe.

     --Paddy Dignam dead! says Alf.

     --Ay, says Joe.

     --Sure I'm after seeing him not five minutes ago, says Alf, as plain as a pikestaff.

     --Who's dead? says Bob Doran.

     --You saw his ghost then, says Joe, God between us and harm.