Explain anything in plain language — a contract clause, a medical term, a tax rule, a tech acronym, a news story — layered from a one-liner to as much depth as you want. Use when asked to explain like I'm 5, explain this simply, break this down in plain English, or what does this even mean. Produces the one-sentence version, a plain-language explanation with a concrete analogy, the 'why it matters to you,' and an honest note on anything genuinely uncertain or oversimplified.
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Use explain-simply to explain [term or pasted text] for a [beginner/basic] audience who is asking because [context], with a one-line gist, everyday analogy, practical relevance, and honest caveat.
Required inputs
[term or pasted text]
[beginner/basic]
[context]
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SKILL.md
name: explain-simplydescription: "Explain anything in plain language — a contract clause, a medical term, a tax rule, a tech acronym, a news story — layered from a one-liner to as much depth as you want. Use when asked to explain like I'm 5, explain this simply, break this down in plain English, or what does this even mean. Produces the one-sentence version, a plain-language explanation with a concrete analogy, the 'why it matters to you,' and an honest note on anything genuinely uncertain or oversimplified."
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
Lead with the gist. One true sentence before any detail.
Anchor to the known. A good analogy borrows understanding you already have — but flag where the analogy breaks.