The term 'not straightforward' refers to something that is complicated, unclear, or difficult to understand. This can be a frustrating experience for many, as it presents an obstacle in grasping the true meaning of the subject at hand. When trying to articulate this idea, there are several alternative phrases and synonyms that can be used to convey the same meaning, such as 'ambiguous', 'difficult', 'obscure', 'confusing', 'complicated', 'convoluted', 'cryptic', 'deceptive', 'enigmatic', 'intricate', 'unclear', 'unintelligible', 'vague', or 'elusive'. Each of these terms provides a unique perspective on the idea of 'not straightforward', and can be used to add emphasis to different aspects of the concept.