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The meaning and origin of the expression: Elementary my dear Watson

Elementary my dear Watson

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What's the meaning of the phrase 'Elementary my dear Watson'?

The supposed explanation that Sherlock Holmes gave to his assistant, Dr. Watson, when explaining deductions he had made.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Elementary my dear Watson'?

Elementary my dear WatsonIn fact the line doesn't appear in the Conan Doyle books, only later in Sherlock Holmes' films.

He does come rather close at a few of points. Holmes says "Elementary" in 'The Crooked Man', and "It was very superficial, my dear Watson, I assure you" in 'The Cardboard Box'. He also says "Exactly, my dear Watson, in three different stories.

The phrase was first used by P. G. Wodehouse, in Psmith Journalist, 1915.

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

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