fool-proof, a. orig. U.S.
(ˈfuːlpruːf)
[f. fool n.1 + proof a. 1 b.]
Proof against even the incompetence of a fool; simple and straightforward so as to respond even to the most inexperienced or careless handling; safeguarded against every sort of accident.
| 1902 A. C. Harmsworth et al. Motors 309 The car..is comparatively ‘fool-proof’. 1904 Westm. Gaz. 24 Oct. 2/2 The car is so ‘simple’ that my daughters drive it—‘fool⁓proof’ the Americans call it. 1926 W. R. Inge Lay Thoughts 220 Everywhere we find the same demand to make life easy, safe, and fool-proof. 1928 Galsworthy Swan Song iii. ii. 231 A base of operations with a fool⁓proof title was essential. 1960 Farmer & Stockbreeder 19 Jan. (Suppl.) 37/2 It should be as foolproof and as easy to manage as possible, even to the most amateur poultry keeper. 1968 Times 24 Oct. 7/7 The cost of making nuclear reactors absolutely foolproof would outweigh their economic advantages. |