explain-simply

Explain Simply

Jargon is a wall, and most explanations either stay behind it or dumb things down so far they're wrong. This does the honest version: the gist in one sentence, then a plain-language explanation anchored to something you already understand, going only as deep as you ask — and flagging where the simple version leaves out something that actually matters.

What This Skill Produces

• The one-liner — if you only read one sentence, this is it
• The plain explanation — no jargon, with a concrete everyday analogy
• Why it matters to you — the "so what," in your situation if you gave one
• The honest caveat — what the simple version glosses over, and where to be careful

Required Inputs

Ask for these if not provided:

• The thing — paste the term/clause/text, or name the topic
• Your level — total beginner, or "I know the basics" (sets the depth and the analogies)
• Why you're asking — signing something? studying? just curious? — steers "why it matters"

Framework: Simple, Not Wrong

1. Lead with the gist. One true sentence before any detail.
2. Anchor to the known. A good analogy borrows understanding you already have — but flag where the analogy breaks.
3. Layer, don't dump. Start shallow; add depth on request. Don't front-load everything.
4. Plain words. If a term is unavoidable, define it the first time in-line.
5. Flag the oversimplification. Note where "roughly" hides a detail that could matter (money, legal, medical).

Output Format

[Thing] — in plain English

In one sentence: …

The plain version: … (with an analogy: "it's like…")

Why it matters to you: …

Worth knowing (where the simple version cuts a corner): …

Want it deeper? Ask and I'll go a layer down.

Quality Checks

• [ ] The one-sentence gist is accurate, not just short
• [ ] The analogy genuinely aids understanding and its limits are noted
• [ ] No unexplained jargon in the plain version
• [ ] Depth matches the stated level (not a firehose for a beginner)
• [ ] Any consequential oversimplification (legal/medical/financial) is flagged, not smoothed over

Anti-Patterns

• Simple-but-wrong — shaving off a detail that changes the meaning.
• The firehose — dumping every nuance on someone who asked for the gist.
• A cute analogy that misleads — flag where it breaks or drop it.
• Fake confidence on genuinely uncertain things — say "it depends, and here's on what."

Example Trigger Phrases

• "Explain this contract clause like I'm 5: [paste]"
• "What does 'APR' actually mean in plain English?"
• "Break down what this medical term means for me."
• "ELI5 how a Roth IRA works."
• "What is this news story actually about?"