10 Synonyms for “Low-Hanging Fruit”

In any workplace, finding ways to describe objectives that are easily achievable is key to clear communication. The phrase “low-hanging fruit” is commonly used, but sometimes, you need different words to keep messages fresh and engaging.

This article lists ten alternatives to “low-hanging fruit” perfect for professional emails. Each one is explained, showing how and when it could be better suited than the original phrase.

Is It Professional to Say “Low-Hanging Fruit”?

The phrase “low-hanging fruit” often straddles the line between professional, formal, and informal contexts. This term is best used in situations where you are discussing achieving goals or results with minimal effort.

It’s appropriate with colleagues or business contacts whom you have a somewhat relaxed relationship with. “Low-hanging fruit” fits well in emails, meetings, or any digital communication platform, provided the context is informal or semi-formal.

Here’s an example:

Dear Team,

As we strategize for the upcoming quarter, let's first identify and seize the low-hanging fruit opportunities. This approach will ensure we hit the ground running and maintain strong momentum.

Best,
Michael

Pros:

• Conveys the idea of easy wins or gains efficiently.
• Widely understood in business contexts.
• Helps prioritize tasks based on effort and impact.

Cons:

• Can be seen as too casual in very formal settings.
• May imply that other tasks are unworthy or too challenging.
• Overuse of the phrase can dilute its impact.

Someone might want to use an alternative phrase or synonym if they are communicating in a very formal context or if they wish to avoid overused business jargon.

10 Other Ways to Say “Low-Hanging Fruit”

Finding the right way to talk about easy opportunities can make your communication clearer. Here are ten common alternatives to “low-hanging fruit” that are perfect for a workplace email:

1. Easy wins

“Easy wins” is a synonym that closely matches the original phrase in meaning, suggesting tasks that can be completed with little effort. It slightly emphasizes the benefit or victory aspect more than the effort. It’s a great alternative for fostering a positive and motivated team environment.

This alternative is best used in professional, yet somewhat informal or team-centric messages. It’s perfect for emails and team meetings where the goal is to motivate and focus on positive outcomes.

Example:

Team,

As we kick off this project, focusing on some easy wins initially will help us build momentum.

Best,
Linda

2. Quick wins

“Quick wins” is another popular synonym that emphasizes the speed of achieving these wins. It suggests that not only are these tasks easy, but they can also be completed quickly, providing immediate satisfaction or results.

This phrase is ideal in professional contexts where time is of the essence. Whether in emails or project meetings, “quick wins” encourages quick, impactful action. It’s suitable for correspondents looking for fast results and works well in both digital and face-to-face communication mediums.

Example:

Hello All,

Let’s identify some quick wins at our next team meeting to get an early advantage on our project timeline.

Cheers,
Tom

3. Simple gains

“Simple gains” focuses on the hassle-free nature of these opportunities. It subtly suggests that these are not just easy or quick, but straightforward and uncomplicated to achieve.

This alternative is excellent for professional communications that aim to highlight straightforward solutions or benefits. It’s great for emails, reports, or presentations where clarity and simplicity are valued. “Simple gains” is particularly suitable for audiences that appreciate directness and efficiency.

Example:

Dear Colleagues,

Exploring simple gains should be our priority to enhance our department's efficiency with minimal disruption.

Regards,
Ellen

4. Obvious opportunities

“Obvious opportunities” is a synonym that stresses how apparent these tasks or benefits are. It suggests that these are opportunities anyone could have seen and capitalized on.

Useful in both professional and formal situations, this alternative fits when you want to highlight the clear and undeniable benefits of a project or strategy. It works well in written proposals, strategic documents, or emails aimed at decision-makers who appreciate the identification of clear-cut advantages.

Example:

Dear Stakeholders,

Our initial phase should target the obvious opportunities to streamline operations.

Kind regards,
Simon

5. Easy targets

Similar to “low-hanging fruit,” “easy targets” are goals or objectives that can be achieved with minimal effort. This phrase puts a slight emphasis on the objectiveness and goal-oriented nature of these tasks.

This alternative shines in professional contexts, especially in planning and strategy sessions. It’s a great choice for emails and presentations focused on goals and outcomes. “Easy targets” is suitable for a goal-oriented audience, making it a favorite in sales and marketing communications.

Example:

Team,

Let's start our campaign by hitting the easy targets to gather early successes.

Warmly,
Diana

6. Low-effort victories

“Low-effort victories” underscores the minimal effort required for these achievements. It’s a good synonym for conveying tasks that won’t require much work but still offer significant rewards.

Best used in professional, team-based correspondence, this phrase encourages focusing on tasks that offer the best return for the least effort. It’s an excellent option for emails, team chats, or meetings where boosting morale and efficiency is the goal. “Low-effort victories” is particularly apt for start-up environments or teams under pressure.

Example:

All,

Identifying low-effort victories will be crucial to keep our momentum during this busy period.

Regards,
Jack

7. Readily achievable goals

This phrase speaks to goals that can be easily accomplished. “Readily achievable goals” conveys a sense of practicality and achievability without underestimating the value of these goals.

It’s a sophisticated and professional alternative, suited for contexts where you wish to communicate practicality and realism. It’s great for project planning sessions, emails to teams, or communications with stakeholders who value a structured approach to achieving milestones.

Example:

Dear Project Team,

Our next steps should focus on readily achievable goals to ensure steady progress.

Best,
Angela

8. Immediate benefits

“Immediate benefits” shifts the focus to the outcomes and advantages that can be gained quickly. This synonym emphasizes the value and impact of quick actions.

This alternative works well in professional emails or communications aiming to persuade or motivate. It’s suitable when discussing strategies or actions that promise quick returns, making it an excellent choice for convincing higher management or motivating a team nearing a deadline.

Example:

Dear Team,

We should concentrate our efforts on initiatives that offer immediate benefits to our project's success.

Sincerely,
Michelle

9. Effortless tasks

“Effortless tasks” conveys that these activities require minimal effort to complete. It’s an engaging way to motivate teams by focusing on the ease of achievements.

This phrase is best for professional yet informal communication, such as team emails, where the aim is to encourage and motivate without downplaying the importance of the task. “Effortless tasks” is especially relevant in environments where workload management and team morale are priorities.

Example:

Hey Team,

Our agenda this week should include some effortless tasks to help balance our workload.

Cheers,
Rudy

10. Undemanding tasks

Like “low-hanging fruit,” “undemanding tasks” point to objectives that are easy to accomplish. This synonym emphasizes the minimal demands of these tasks.

It’s another professional alternative that’s perfect for managers and team leads wishing to assign tasks that won’t overwhelm the team. Excellent for use in emails, project management software messages, or during team meetings where clarity and encouragement are needed.

Example:

Team,

Let's allocate some undemanding tasks to ensure everyone can manage their workload effectively.

Best,
Olivia

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right words in professional settings can greatly influence how your message is received. Alternatives to “low-hanging fruit” offer fresh ways to communicate about easy opportunities or tasks. By using these synonyms, you can keep your emails and conversations engaging and clear.