Phrase Explanation: It’s Not That Simple

When someone says, “It’s not that simple,” they’re expressing that the situation or problem at hand is more complicated or difficult than it might seem. It’s similar to saying “it’s more complicated than that” or “it’s not as easy as you think.”

Here are two examples in sentences:

Example 1:
When asked why he didn’t just quit his job if he was unhappy, Robert replied, “It’s not that simple. I have bills to pay and a family to support.”

Example 2:
Jenny said, “It’s not that simple,” when her friend suggested she should just forget about her ex-boyfriend and move on.

Now, let’s see two examples in a conversation:

Example 3:
Alice: Hey, Ben! If you’re not enjoying your classes, why don’t you just change your major?
Ben: Alice, it’s not that simple. I’ve already invested a lot of time in my current courses, and switching now would delay my graduation.

Example 4:
Tom: Hi, Lisa! You should just tell your boss what you really think.
Lisa: Tom, it’s not that simple. I don’t want to risk losing my job.

In summary, the phrase “it’s not that simple” is used to convey that a situation or problem is more complex or challenging than it appears to be. It’s often used when someone proposes a solution that overlooks the complexities or difficulties involved.

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