A lead pipe cinch
Meaning
Something that is absolutely certain to happen or incredibly easy to achieve.
Origin
The word "cinch" itself rode into American English from the Spanish "cincha," referring to the girth strap that fastens a saddle tightly onto a horse. To "cinch" something, therefore, meant to make it secure, undeniable, or easy to control. Later, the vivid, almost brutal imagery of a "lead pipe" was bolted onto this existing term. A lead pipe is heavy, solid, and undeniably effective in delivering a decisive, unavoidable outcome. When combined, "a lead pipe cinch" conjures the image of a certainty as absolute and undeniable as the tightest saddle strap, reinforced by the blunt, irrefutable force of a heavy lead pipe, leaving no room for doubt or escape.
Examples
- Winning the championship this year is a lead pipe cinch after their dominant performance in the semifinals.
- Getting that promotion should be a lead pipe cinch for Sarah; she's clearly the most qualified candidate.