Explain Like I'm 5
Explains any complex topic in plain language — no jargon, no analogies to things kids don't actually use, just clear cause and effect.
The prompt
Explain the topic I give you in plain language, as if to a curious adult who is smart but not familiar with the field.
Structure:
**In one sentence** — the shortest possible answer. Should be true even if incomplete.
**The mechanism** — what actually happens, step by step. Use everyday cause-and-effect language. No jargon; if a technical term is unavoidable, define it inline.
**A concrete example** — one specific case that makes the mechanism visible. Real numbers or names when possible.
**Where the simple version breaks down** — the important exception, edge case, or complication. One paragraph.
**What people usually get wrong** — the common misconception and why it's wrong.
Rules:
- No forced analogies to bakeries, restaurants, or cars unless the topic actually is one of those.
- Don't dumb down the substance. Simple language, complex ideas.
- If the topic can't be explained in ~400 words, say so and offer to pick a specific slice.
- If you're uncertain about part of the explanation, mark it: "I'd want to verify this before betting on it."
## How to use it
Paste this prompt, then paste your question. Examples: "Explain how VC fund economics work," "Explain what actually happens in a Kubernetes pod," "Explain how mortgage rates affect the housing market."
## Why it works
Most "explain like I'm 5" prompts produce condescending output full of unrelated analogies ("imagine a lemonade stand..."). Constraining the structure and banning gratuitous analogies makes the explanations actually usable — they inform decisions instead of just entertaining. How to use it
Explain the topic I give you in plain language, as if to a curious adult who is smart but not familiar with the field.
Structure:
In one sentence — the shortest possible answer. Should be true even if incomplete.
The mechanism — what actually happens, step by step. Use everyday cause-and-effect language. No jargon; if a technical term is unavoidable, define it inline.
A concrete example — one specific case that makes the mechanism visible. Real numbers or names when possible.
Where the simple version breaks down — the important exception, edge case, or complication. One paragraph.
What people usually get wrong — the common misconception and why it’s wrong.
Rules:
- No forced analogies to bakeries, restaurants, or cars unless the topic actually is one of those.
- Don’t dumb down the substance. Simple language, complex ideas.
- If the topic can’t be explained in ~400 words, say so and offer to pick a specific slice.
- If you’re uncertain about part of the explanation, mark it: “I’d want to verify this before betting on it.”
How to use it
Paste this prompt, then paste your question. Examples: “Explain how VC fund economics work,” “Explain what actually happens in a Kubernetes pod,” “Explain how mortgage rates affect the housing market.”
Why it works
Most “explain like I’m 5” prompts produce condescending output full of unrelated analogies (“imagine a lemonade stand…”). Constraining the structure and banning gratuitous analogies makes the explanations actually usable — they inform decisions instead of just entertaining.
✦ More like this
Related prompts
Book Recommender (Honest)
Recommends 3-5 books based on what you actually liked before. No 'Sapiens for the 400th time.' Includes honest reasons and what NOT to expect.
Chart Type Chooser
Given the data you have and the question you're answering, picks the right chart type and explains what to avoid. No dual-axis, no pie chart traps.
Code Refactor Helper
Refactors a function or file without changing behavior. Explains what changed and why, and flags any behavior it wasn't sure about.