one-banana problem

English

Etymology

Derived from the idea that trained monkeys can do low-level jobs, working for bananas. It also may come from Sherlock Holmes lore; see three-pipe problem.

Pronunciation
  • Audio (AU)(file)

Noun

one-banana problem (plural one-banana problems)

  1. (computing, slang) A problem that should be easily resolved.
    It's only a one-banana problem at the most; what's taking them so long?

Usage notes

The phrase is used at technical worksites, where routine computer system administrative tasks such as daily backup are handled by operators, and it is claimed that a trained monkey could do the jobs. At IBM, folklore divides the world into one-, two-, and three-banana problems.

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