Top 35 Slang For Explaining – Meaning & Usage

Explaining complex ideas or concepts can be a daunting task, but fear not! We’ve got your back with a list of the most useful slang terms for explaining things. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or just someone who loves breaking down information in a fun and engaging way, this list is sure to help you level up your communication skills. So, get ready to expand your vocabulary and make explaining a breeze!

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1. Break it down

This phrase is used to ask someone to explain something in a simpler and more understandable way.

For example, a teacher might say, “Let me break it down for you: the subject is the part of a sentence that tells us what or who the sentence is about.”
In a conversation about complex scientific concepts, one person might ask, “Can you break it down for me? I’m not understanding.”
A friend might say, “I don’t get the plot of this movie. Can you break it down for me?”

2. Layman’s terms

This phrase is used to request an explanation using language that is easy for anyone to understand, regardless of their background or expertise.

For instance, a doctor might say, “In layman’s terms, your heart is not pumping enough blood.”
In a conversation about technology, someone might ask, “Can you explain this software in layman’s terms?”
A teacher might say, “When explaining complex concepts to students, it’s important to use layman’s terms.”

3. Put it in plain English

This phrase is used to ask someone to explain something in a clear and straightforward manner, avoiding technical jargon or complicated language.

For example, a lawyer might say, “I need you to put it in plain English so that the jury can understand.”
In a discussion about a complex scientific theory, someone might request, “Can you put it in plain English for those of us who are not scientists?”
A parent might say to their child, “I don’t understand what you’re saying. Can you put it in plain English for me?”

4. Spell it out

This phrase is used to ask someone to provide a detailed and thorough explanation of something.

For instance, a manager might say, “I need you to spell it out for me. I want to understand all the details.”
In a conversation about a complicated recipe, someone might ask, “Can you spell it out for me step by step?”
A student might say to their teacher, “I’m struggling to understand this concept. Can you spell it out for me?”

5. Give me the lowdown

This phrase is used to ask someone to provide all the important and necessary information about something.

For example, a friend might say, “I’m new to this city. Can you give me the lowdown on the best places to eat?”
In a discussion about a new product, someone might ask, “Can you give me the lowdown on its features and benefits?”
A journalist might say, “I need you to give me the lowdown on the latest scandal. I want all the details.”

6. Break it down Barney style

This phrase is used when someone wants a complex concept or idea explained in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. It is often used in a light-hearted or humorous way.

For example, a teacher might say to a student, “Alright, let me break it down Barney style so you can understand.”
In a conversation about a complicated topic, someone might ask, “Can you break it down Barney style for me? I’m having trouble grasping it.”
A person might use this phrase when explaining something to a friend, saying, “Let me break it down Barney style so you don’t get confused.”

7. Give me the scoop

This slang phrase is used when someone wants to know all the important or interesting information about a certain topic or situation.

For instance, if someone is gossiping about a celebrity, they might say, “Hey, give me the scoop on what’s happening with them.”
In a conversation about a news story, someone might ask, “Can you give me the scoop on what happened?”
A person might use this phrase when asking a friend about their recent vacation, saying, “Give me the scoop on your trip. I want to hear all the details.”

8. Make it crystal clear

This phrase is used when someone wants something explained in a way that leaves no room for confusion or misunderstanding. It emphasizes the desire for complete clarity.

For example, a boss might say to an employee, “I need you to make it crystal clear how this process works.”
In a conversation about a complicated topic, someone might ask, “Can you make it crystal clear so I can fully understand?”
A person might use this phrase when giving instructions to a group, saying, “Let me make it crystal clear what needs to be done.”

9. Give me the rundown

This slang phrase is used when someone wants a brief explanation or summary of a situation, event, or topic. It implies a desire for the most important or relevant details.

For instance, if someone missed a meeting, they might ask a colleague, “Can you give me the rundown of what happened?”
In a conversation about a movie, someone might say, “I haven’t seen it yet, but can you give me the rundown?”
A person might use this phrase when asking a friend about a recent party, saying, “Give me the rundown of who was there and what went down.”

10. Break it down for me

This phrase is used when someone wants a thorough or comprehensive explanation of a concept or process. It suggests a desire for a detailed breakdown of the information.

For example, a student might ask a teacher, “Can you break it down for me so I can understand it better?”
In a conversation about a complex topic, someone might say, “I’m not following. Can you break it down for me?”
A person might use this phrase when trying to understand a new technology, saying, “I’m not tech-savvy. Can you break it down for me in simple terms?”

11. Explain it like I’m five

This phrase is used to ask someone to explain a complex concept in simple terms, as if they were explaining it to a five-year-old child.

For example, if someone asks, “Can you explain how a black hole works?” someone might respond, “Sure, I’ll explain it like you’re five. Imagine a really heavy object that sucks everything nearby into it, like a giant cosmic vacuum cleaner.”
In a discussion about quantum physics, someone might say, “I don’t understand it at all. Can someone explain it like I’m five?”
A teacher might use this phrase in the classroom to break down a difficult topic for their students.

12. Tell me like it is

This phrase is used to ask someone to provide a straightforward and honest explanation or opinion without sugarcoating or holding back.

For instance, if someone asks, “What do you really think about my new haircut?” someone might respond, “Okay, I’ll tell you like it is. I think it doesn’t suit you and you looked better with your previous style.”
In a political discussion, someone might say, “I want you to tell me like it is. What are the real consequences of this policy?”
A friend seeking relationship advice might ask, “I need your honest opinion. Should I break up with my partner? Tell me like it is.”

13. Put it in layman’s terms

This phrase is used to ask someone to explain a complex or technical concept using language that is easy for anyone to understand, regardless of their expertise.

For example, if someone asks, “Can you explain how a computer works?” someone might respond, “Sure, let me put it in layman’s terms. A computer is like a big brain that follows instructions to do all sorts of tasks, like solving math problems or playing games.”
In a conversation about medical research, someone might say, “I don’t understand all the scientific jargon. Can you put it in layman’s terms?”
A teacher might use this phrase in a lecture to ensure that all students can grasp the concept being discussed.

14. Give me the deets

This phrase is used to ask someone to provide all the relevant and specific details about a situation, event, or topic.

For instance, if someone asks, “What happened at the party last night?” someone might respond, “Oh, you want the deets? Well, there was dancing, lots of food, and even a surprise guest.”
In a conversation about a movie, someone might say, “I heard the new superhero movie is amazing. Give me the deets!”
A friend planning a trip might ask, “I need the deets on the hotel you stayed at. Is it clean and safe?”

15. Break it down step by step

This phrase is used to ask someone to explain a process or concept by breaking it down into individual steps or components in a clear and organized manner.

For example, if someone asks, “Can you explain how to bake a cake?” someone might respond, “Sure, let me break it down step by step. First, you gather the ingredients. Then, you mix them together. Next, you pour the batter into a pan and bake it in the oven.”
In a discussion about a complex scientific experiment, someone might say, “I’m having trouble understanding the procedure. Can you break it down step by step?”
A teacher might use this phrase in a classroom to guide students through a challenging math problem.

16. Give me the 411

This phrase is used to ask for the details or information about something. It originated from the telephone code “411” which was used to access directory assistance.

For example, if someone wants to know the latest gossip, they might say, “Hey, give me the 411 on what happened at the party last night.”
In a work setting, a colleague might ask, “Can you give me the 411 on the new project?”
A friend might say, “I heard you went on a trip. Give me the 411 on all the cool places you visited!”

17. Put it in black and white

This phrase means to provide information or instructions in a clear and straightforward manner, without any ambiguity or confusion. The phrase “black and white” refers to written or printed text.

For instance, if someone is giving directions, they might say, “Can you put it in black and white so I can follow it easily?”
In a legal context, a lawyer might ask for a contract to be put in black and white to avoid any misunderstandings.
A teacher might tell a student, “I need you to put your thoughts in black and white so I can understand your argument.”

18. Tell me the whole story

This phrase is used to request a complete and comprehensive account of a situation or event. It implies that the listener wants to hear the entire narrative without any omissions or shortcuts.

For example, if someone is telling a friend about a recent trip, the friend might say, “Tell me the whole story, from start to finish!”
In a detective novel, a character might demand, “I need you to tell me the whole story, no matter how small the detail.”
A parent might ask their child, “What happened at school today? Tell me the whole story, including what you learned.”

19. Give me the inside scoop

This phrase is used to ask for insider or exclusive information about a particular topic or event. It implies that the listener wants to know details that are not widely known or publicly available.

For instance, if someone is talking about a celebrity scandal, they might say, “Do you have the inside scoop on what really happened?”
In a sports context, a fan might ask a journalist, “Can you give me the inside scoop on the team’s strategy for the upcoming game?”
A colleague might ask another coworker, “I heard there are going to be layoffs. Can you give me the inside scoop?”

20. Break it down into chunks

This phrase means to explain something in a step-by-step or simplified manner, breaking it down into smaller and more manageable parts. It is often used when discussing complex or difficult concepts.

For example, if someone is trying to understand a complicated math problem, they might ask the teacher, “Can you break it down into chunks so I can follow along?”
In a cooking recipe, the instructions might say, “Break down the recipe into chunks to make it easier to follow.”
A manager might tell their team, “Let’s break down the project into chunks so we can tackle it more effectively.”

21. Lay it out

This slang phrase means to provide a thorough and detailed explanation of something.

For example, if someone is confused about a complex concept, you might say, “Let me lay it out for you.”
In a group discussion, someone might ask, “Can you lay out the steps for completing this task?”
If someone is struggling to understand a new technology, you could say, “I’ll lay it out for you, step by step.”

22. Fill me in

This slang phrase is used to request or ask for information or an explanation about a situation or topic.

For instance, if someone missed a meeting, they might ask, “Can you fill me in on what I missed?”
If someone is out of the loop on a conversation, they might say, “Can you fill me in? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
When discussing a news story, someone might ask, “Can you fill me in on the background of this issue?”

23. Clue me in

This slang phrase is used to ask someone to provide information or insight about a particular topic or situation.

For example, if someone is discussing a recent celebrity scandal, they might ask, “Can you clue me in on what happened?”
If someone is confused about a new trend, they might say, “I’m out of the loop, clue me in.”
When discussing a complex concept, someone might ask, “Can you clue me in on the details of how it works?”

24. Let me in on it

This slang phrase is used to ask someone to include or involve you in the information or explanation of something.

For instance, if a group of friends is discussing a plan, you might say, “Let me in on it, I want to be involved.”
If someone is talking about a secret, you might ask, “Come on, let me in on it. I promise I won’t tell anyone.”
When discussing a joke or prank, someone might say, “Don’t keep it to yourself, let me in on the fun!”

25. Break it down like a fraction

This slang phrase means to explain something in a simplified and easy-to-understand manner, similar to breaking down a fraction into its simplest form.

For example, if someone is struggling to understand a complex math problem, you might say, “Let me break it down like a fraction for you.”
When explaining a complicated process, someone might say, “I’ll break it down step by step so you can follow along.”
If someone is confused about a technical concept, you could say, “I’ll break it down into layman’s terms so you can understand.”

26. Break it down to brass tacks

This slang phrase means to simplify a complex situation or concept by focusing on the key points. It is often used when someone wants a clear and concise explanation.

For example, if someone is explaining a complicated math problem, they might say, “Let’s break it down to brass tacks. First, we need to solve this equation.”
In a business meeting, a manager might say, “Can you break down the project plan to brass tacks? We need to understand the key milestones.”
When discussing a political issue, someone might ask, “Can you break it down to brass tacks? I want to understand the main arguments on both sides.”

27. Tell me like I’m five

This phrase is used when someone wants a concept or idea explained in a way that is easy to understand, as if they were a five-year-old child. It implies a desire for a straightforward and uncomplicated explanation.

For instance, if someone is trying to understand a complex scientific theory, they might ask, “Can you tell me like I’m five?”
In a classroom setting, a student might request, “Can you explain the concept of gravity like I’m five?”
When discussing a technical topic, someone might say, “I don’t have a background in computer science, so please tell me like I’m five.”

28. Let me clue you in

This slang phrase means to provide someone with important or secret information that they may not be aware of. It is often used when someone wants to share knowledge or give insight to another person.

For example, if someone is unaware of a recent development, they might say, “Let me clue you in. There’s a new policy that just came out.”
In a conversation about a movie, someone might say, “Let me clue you in on a major plot twist. You won’t see it coming!”
When discussing a current event, someone might say, “Let me clue you in on the latest updates. It’s been a wild ride.”

29. Hit me with the details

This slang phrase is used when someone wants to hear or receive all the specific details or information about a particular topic or situation. It implies a desire for comprehensive and thorough information.

For instance, if someone is asking about a new product, they might say, “Hit me with the details. I want to know everything about it.”
In a conversation about a trip, someone might say, “Tell me about your vacation. Hit me with the details!”
When discussing a project, someone might ask, “Can you hit me with the details? I need to understand the scope and requirements.”

30. Break it down like I’m five

This phrase is similar to “Tell me like I’m five” and is used when someone wants a concept or idea explained in a way that is easy to understand, as if they were a five-year-old child. It emphasizes the need for a simplified and straightforward explanation.

For example, if someone is trying to understand a complex legal concept, they might say, “Can you break it down like I’m five?”
In a classroom setting, a student might request, “Can you break down the steps of this math problem like I’m five?”
When discussing a technical topic, someone might say, “I’m not familiar with this programming language. Can you break it down like I’m five?”

31. Explain it like I’m a golden retriever

This phrase is used to request that someone explains something in a very basic and easy-to-understand manner, as if they were explaining it to a dog. It implies that the listener may not have a lot of prior knowledge or understanding of the topic.

For example, if someone is struggling to understand a complex concept, they might say, “Can you explain it like I’m a golden retriever?”
In a classroom setting, a teacher might use this phrase to ensure that their explanation is clear and accessible to all students.
A person might say, “I’m not familiar with that topic. Can you break it down like I’m a golden retriever?”

32. Tell me straight

This phrase is used to request that someone provides information or an explanation without any embellishments or sugarcoating. It implies that the listener wants to hear the truth, even if it may be difficult or unpleasant.

For instance, if someone suspects that they are being lied to, they might say, “Just tell me straight. Are you telling the truth?”
In a professional setting, a manager might use this phrase to encourage their employees to be straightforward and transparent.
A person might say, “I don’t need any excuses or justifications. Just tell me straight what happened.”

33. Break it down into bite-sized pieces

This phrase is used to request that someone explains a complex or difficult concept in a simplified and easily digestible manner. It implies that the listener wants the information to be broken down into smaller, more manageable parts.

For example, if someone is struggling to understand a complicated math problem, they might say, “Can you break it down into bite-sized pieces?”
In a cooking class, a chef might use this phrase to guide their students through a recipe, ensuring that each step is clear and understandable.
A person might say, “I’m having trouble grasping the concept. Can you break it down into bite-sized pieces?”

34. Give me the skinny

This phrase is used to request that someone provides the most important or relevant details about a topic or situation. It implies that the listener wants a concise and to-the-point explanation, without any unnecessary or extraneous information.

For instance, if someone is giving a presentation and is running out of time, they might say, “Just give me the skinny. What are the key points?”
In a newsroom, a journalist might use this phrase to ask their colleague for a brief summary of a news story.
A person might say, “I don’t have time for all the details. Just give me the skinny on what happened.”

35. Break it down into baby steps

This phrase is used to request that someone explains a process or procedure in a step-by-step manner, with each step being very simple and easy to understand. It implies that the listener wants the information to be broken down into the most basic and straightforward instructions.

For example, if someone is learning a new dance routine, they might say, “Can you break it down into baby steps?”
In a technology workshop, an instructor might use this phrase to guide their participants through a complex software installation process.
A person might say, “I’m not very familiar with this. Can you break it down into baby steps for me?”