Ever found yourself as busy as a bee? Similes are used in everyday conversation, you may have even used them without realizing it! In this article, we look at some examples of similes along with their meanings, so that you can understand what they mean and when to use them.
What is a Simile?
Before we get started, what is a simile? A simile is a figure of speech that involves comparing two different things using the words “like” or “as” to highlight a similarity between them. For example, “Your hands are as cold as ice.”
The purpose of a simile is to create a vivid and imaginative connection between the two things being compared, helping to convey a particular quality, characteristic, or emotion.
Similes are widely used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to enhance descriptions, create imagery, and make comparisons more relatable to the audience. Plus, when used correctly they’re a great way to make you sound more fluent in English.
Now that we’ve covered that, let’s take a look at some examples of similes!
Examples of Similes
Here are 119 examples of a simile. For each simile, we’ve included its meaning and an example of it being used in a sentence. So, if you’re curious about the meaning of similes, you’re in the right place!
1. As blind as a bat
Meaning: Completely unable to see.
Example: Without his glasses, he was as blind as a bat.
2. As blind as a mole
Meaning: Very shortsighted or unaware.
Example: She was blind as a mole to the problems around her.
3. As bold as brass
Meaning: Very bold or audacious.
Example: Speaking up in the meeting, she was as bold as brass.
4. As brave as a lion
Meaning: Very courageous.
Example: He was as brave as a lion in facing the challenges of life.
5. As busy as a bee
Meaning: Very industrious and active.
Example: She was as busy as a bee, juggling work, family, and social commitments.
6. As busy as a hound in a rabbit field
Meaning: Extremely busy or active.
Example: During tax season, accountants are as busy as hounds in a rabbit field.
7. As calm as a millpond
Meaning: Very calm and peaceful.
Example: The lake was as calm as a millpond on a windless day.
8. As cheap as chips
Meaning: Very inexpensive or affordable. Example: The street market offered clothes as cheap as chips, making it a favorite among budget-conscious shoppers.
9. As clean as a whistle
Meaning: Very clean or spotless.
Example: The kitchen was clean as a whistle after hours of scrubbing.
10. As crazy as a loon
Meaning: Extremely eccentric or insane.
Example: The artist was as crazy as a loon, creating unconventional masterpieces.
11. As clear as crystal
Meaning: Completely clear or transparent.
Example: The instructions were as clear as crystal, leaving no room for confusion.
12. As cold as a fish
Meaning: Very cold and unfriendly.
Example: Despite the warm welcome, he remained as cold as a fish.
13. As cold as a stone
Meaning: Extremely cold.
Example: The winter air was as cold as a stone, freezing everything in its path.
14. As cold as ice
Meaning: Extremely cold.
Example: The winter wind was as cold as ice, biting through layers of clothing.
15. As common as dirt
Meaning: Very common or abundant.
Example: In some places, pigeons are as common as dirt.
16. As cool as a cucumber
Meaning: Calm and composed, especially under pressure.
Example: Despite the crisis, he remained as cool as a cucumber, making rational decisions.
17. As crooked as a snake
Meaning: Dishonest or deceitful.
Example: His business dealings were as crooked as a snake, leading to legal troubles.
18. As cute as a button
Meaning: Extremely cute or charming.
Example: The puppy was as cute as a button, with its fluffy fur and playful demeanor.
19. As dark as night
Meaning: Very dark.
Example: The room was as dark as night with all the lights turned off.
20. As dead as a doornail
Meaning: Completely lifeless or inactive.
Example: After the accident, the machine was as dead as a doornail.
21. As delicate as a flower
Meaning: Very fragile or easily damaged.
Example: The antique vase was as delicate as a flower, requiring careful handling.
22. As determined as a bulldog
Meaning: Extremely persistent and tenacious.
Example: She was as determined as a bulldog to finish the marathon.
23. As dry as a bone
Meaning: Very dry, lacking moisture.
Example: The desert was as dry as a bone, with no sign of rain for weeks.
24. As dull as dishwater
Meaning: Very dull or uninteresting.
Example: The lecture was as dull as dishwater, putting everyone to sleep.
25. As easy as pie
Meaning: Very easy or simple.
Example: Solving the puzzle turned out to be as easy as pie.
26. As fast as a cheetah
Meaning: Extremely fast.
Example: The cheetah sprinted across the savannah as fast as a cheetah can.
27. As fast as lightning
Meaning: Very fast or quick.
Example: The car sped away as fast as lightning, leaving dust in its wake.
28. As fat as a pig
Meaning: Very fat or overweight.
Example: After indulging in holiday feasts, he felt as fat as a pig.
29. As fierce as a lioness
Meaning: Very aggressive and powerful.
Example: The mother bear was as fierce as a lioness, protecting her cubs.
30. As fit as a fiddle
Meaning: In excellent health and physical condition.
Example: After months of training, he was as fit as a fiddle.
31. As flat as a pancake
Meaning: Completely flat or level.
Example: The landscape was as flat as a pancake, stretching out for miles without any hills.
32. As free as a bird
Meaning: Completely free and unrestricted.
Example: After retiring, he felt as free as a bird to travel and explore the world.
33. As fresh as a daisy
Meaning: Very fresh or lively.
Example: After a good night’s sleep, she woke up feeling as fresh as a daisy.
34. As gentle as a lamb
Meaning: Very gentle and kind.
Example: Despite his imposing appearance, he was as gentle as a lamb with children.
35. As good as gold
Meaning: Very well-behaved or virtuous.
Example: The students were as good as gold during the school assembly.
36. As graceful as a swan
Meaning: Very elegant and graceful.
Example: The ballet dancer moved across the stage as gracefully as a swan.
37. As green as grass
Meaning: Very inexperienced or naïve.
Example: Fresh out of college, he was as green as grass in the corporate world.
38. As happy as a clam
Meaning: Very happy or content.
Example: After receiving the promotion, she was as happy as a clam.
39. As hard as nails
Meaning: Very tough or strong.
Example: The old carpenter’s hands were as hard as nails from years of manual labor.
40. As heavy as lead
Meaning: Very heavy.
Example: The suitcase was as heavy as lead, filled with books and electronics.
41. As high as a kite
Meaning: Intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
Example: After the party, he was as high as a kite and couldn’t walk straight.
42. As hungry as a wolf
Meaning: Very hungry.
Example: After a day of hiking, they were as hungry as wolves.
43. As light as a feather
Meaning: Very light.
Example: The fabric was as light as a feather, perfect for a summer dress.
44. As lively as a cricket
Meaning: Very energetic and lively.
Example: The children were as lively as crickets, playing in the yard.
45. As long as a mile
Meaning: Very long.
Example: The line at the amusement park was as long as a mile.
46. As loud as thunder
Meaning: Very loud or booming.
Example: The applause was as loud as thunder when the performer finished the spectacular routine.
47. As mad as a hornet
Meaning: Extremely angry or agitated.
Example: He was as mad as a hornet when he discovered the broken window.
48. As meek as a lamb
Meaning: Very submissive or mild-mannered.
Example: In public, she was as meek as a lamb, but at home, she was a strong decision-maker.
49. As neat as a pin
Meaning: Very tidy or well-organized.
Example: Her desk was always as neat as a pin, with everything in its place.
50. As nervous as a cat
Meaning: Very anxious or jittery.
Example: Before the big presentation, she was as nervous as a cat.
51. As old as the hills
Meaning: Very old or ancient.
Example: The village was as old as the hills, with buildings that had stood for centuries.
52. As pale as a ghost
Meaning: Very pale, typically due to fear or illness.
Example: She turned as pale as a ghost when she saw the accident unfold before her eyes.
53. As plain as day
Meaning: Very clear or obvious.
Example: The truth was as plain as day, evident to anyone who examined the facts.
54. As quick as a cat
Meaning: Very quick and agile.
Example: The athlete moved as quick as a cat, easily dodging the defenders.
55. As quiet as a mouse
Meaning: Very quiet or silent.
Example: The library was as quiet as a mouse, with everyone focused on their studies.
56. As quick as lightning
Meaning: Very fast or rapid.
Example: Her reflexes were as quick as lightning, allowing her to catch the falling glass before it shattered.
57. As red as a lobster
Meaning: Very red, often due to sunburn.
Example: After a day at the beach, his shoulders were as red as a lobster.
58. As right as rain
Meaning: Perfectly fine or healthy.
Example: After a good night’s sleep, she felt as right as rain.
59. As round as a ball
Meaning: Very round in shape.
Example: The moon was as round as a ball in the night sky.
60. As sick as a dog
Meaning: Very ill.
Example: After eating the spoiled food, he was as sick as a dog.
61. As simple as ABC
Meaning: Very easy or straightforward.
Example: Using the new software was as simple as ABC.
62. As sharp as a tack
Meaning: Very intelligent or quick-witted.
Example: Despite his age, he remained as sharp as a tack, solving complex puzzles effortlessly.
63. As slow as molasses
Meaning: Very slow.
Example: The traffic was as slow as molasses during rush hour.
64. As sly as a fox
Meaning: Very cunning or deceitful.
Example: The con artist was as sly as a fox, fooling everyone with his schemes.
65. As smooth as silk
Meaning: Very smooth and soft.
Example: The lotion left her skin as smooth as silk.
66. As snug as a bug in a rug
Meaning: Very comfortable and secure.
Example: Wrapped in a warm blanket, she felt as snug as a bug in a rug.
67. As solid as a rock
Meaning: Very strong and stable.
Example: The foundation of the building was as solid as a rock, ensuring its durability.
68. As sound as a bell
Meaning: Very clear and undamaged.
Example: The antique clock was as sound as a bell, chiming at the same time for decades.
69. As sour as vinegar
Meaning: Very sour or unpleasant.
Example: The taste of the expired milk was as sour as vinegar.
70. As straight as an arrow
Meaning: Very straight or direct.
Example: His gaze was as straight as an arrow, never wavering from his goal.
71. As strong as an ox
Meaning: Extremely strong and robust.
Example: Despite his age, he remained as strong as an ox, lifting heavy weights effortlessly.
72. As stubborn as a mule
Meaning: Very stubborn or obstinate.
Example: Despite the convincing arguments, he remained as stubborn as a mule.
73. As sweet as honey
Meaning: Very sweet or pleasant.
Example: Her voice was as sweet as honey, soothing everyone in the room.
74. As tall as a giraffe
Meaning: Very tall.
Example: The basketball player was as tall as a giraffe, towering over his opponents.
75. As thin as a rail
Meaning: Very thin or skinny.
Example: Despite eating a lot, he remained as thin as a rail.
76. As tough as nails
Meaning: Very resilient and strong.
Example: The marathon runner was as tough as nails, enduring the grueling race with determination.
77. As ugly as sin
Meaning: Very unattractive.
Example: The old building was as ugly as sin, with peeling paint and broken windows.
78. As unique as a snowflake
Meaning: Very unique or one-of-a-kind.
Example: Each person’s fingerprint is as unique as a snowflake.
79. As useful as a chocolate teapot
Meaning: Completely useless.
Example: His advice was as useful as a chocolate teapot, providing no practical help.
80. As warm as toast
Meaning: Very warm and comfortable.
Example: The fireplace made the room as warm as toast on a cold winter night.
81. As weak as a kitten
Meaning: Very weak or feeble.
Example: After the illness, she felt as weak as a kitten.
82. As white as a sheet
Meaning: Very pale, often due to fear or shock.
Example: When she heard the unexpected news, her face turned as white as a sheet.
83. As wise as an owl
Meaning: Very wise or knowledgeable.
Example: The professor was as wise as an owl, with a wealth of academic expertise.
84. As yellow as a banana
Meaning: Very yellow in color.
Example: The ripe banana was as yellow as a banana could be.
85. As yellow as a coward
Meaning: Very yellow or pale, often used to describe fear.
Example: His face turned as yellow as a coward’s when he saw the angry mob approaching.
86. As young as the morning
Meaning: Very young or youthful.
Example: Despite her age, she felt as young as the morning, full of energy and vitality.
87. As young as springtime
Meaning: Very young or youthful.
Example: Despite her age, her spirit was as young as springtime.
88. As zealous as a missionary
Meaning: Very enthusiastic or passionate.
Example: The volunteer was as zealous as a missionary in helping those in need.
89. Like a bat out of hell
Meaning: Moving very fast or recklessly.
Example: When the alarm went off, he ran out of the building like a bat out of hell.
90. Like a box of chocolates
Meaning: Unpredictable or full of surprises.
Example: Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re going to get.
91. Like a bull in a china shop
Meaning: Acting clumsily or recklessly in a delicate situation.
Example: He entered the elegant party like a bull in a china shop, knocking over decorations.
92. Like a cat on a hot tin roof
Meaning: Nervous or restless.
Example: Waiting for the exam results, she was pacing back and forth like a cat on a hot tin roof.
93. Like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning: Acting in a panicked or disorganized manner.
Example: When the fire alarm sounded, people scattered like chickens with their heads cut off.
94. Like a dog with a bone
Meaning: Persistent or unwilling to let go of something.
Example: She pursued the truth like a dog with a bone, determined to uncover the facts.
95. Like a fish in water
Meaning: Very comfortable and natural in a particular environment.
Example: She was like a fish in water when it came to public speaking, confident and articulate.
96. Like a fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place.
Example: In the city, he felt like a fish out of water, used to the quiet of the countryside.
97. Like a moth to a flame
Meaning: Drawn irresistibly to something, even if it’s dangerous.
Example: She was like a moth to a flame when it came to risky adventures.
98. Like a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Extremely difficult to find.
Example: Searching for the lost key in the park was like looking for a needle in a haystack.
99. Like a rolling stone
Meaning: Unsettled or without a fixed direction.
Example: After quitting his job, he felt like a rolling stone, uncertain of his next move.
100. Like a shot in the dark
Meaning: Making a guess without sufficient information.
Example: His answer was like a shot in the dark, as he had no knowledge of the topic.
101. Like a thief in the night
Meaning: Sneaky or discreet, often referring to unexpected actions.
Example: He entered the room like a thief in the night, hoping not to wake anyone.
102. Like a ton of bricks
Meaning: Very heavy or overwhelming.
Example: The news hit him like a ton of bricks, leaving him stunned and speechless.
103. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Deceptive or hiding true intentions.
Example: The charming stranger turned out to be like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, betraying trust.
104. Like an open book
Meaning: Transparent or easy to understand.
Example: Her emotions were like an open book, evident in her facial expressions.
105. Like finding a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Extremely difficult to find.
Example: Locating the lost ring in the snow was like finding a needle in a haystack.
106. Like herding cats
Meaning: Trying to control or organize something challenging.
Example: Managing the team was like herding cats, with everyone going in different directions.
107. Like it’s going out of style
Meaning: In large quantities or excessively.
Example: She bought clothes like it’s going out of style, filling her closet with the latest trends.
108. Like pulling teeth
Meaning: Very difficult or requiring great effort.
Example: Getting information from the reluctant witness was like pulling teeth.
109. Like shooting fish in a barrel
Meaning: Very easy.
Example: Solving the puzzle was like shooting fish in a barrel for the experienced detective.
110. Like the back of my hand
Meaning: Extremely familiar or well-known.
Example: After years of exploring the city, I know its streets like the back of my hand.
111. Like trying to nail jelly to a wall
Meaning: Impossible or extremely difficult.
Example: Getting a straight answer from him was like trying to nail jelly to a wall.
112. Like two peas in a pod
Meaning: Very similar or closely connected.
Example: The twins were like two peas in a pod, sharing not only looks but also interests and personalities.
113. Like water off a duck’s back
Meaning: Not having any effect or influence.
Example: Criticism rolled off her like water off a duck’s back; she remained unfazed.
114. Sleep like a baby
Meaning: Sleeping peacefully and soundly.
Example: The soothing lullaby helped him sleep like a baby.
115. Sleep like a log
Meaning: Sleeping very deeply.
Example: After the long hike, I tend to sleep like a log.
116. Sleep like a rock
Meaning: Sleeping deeply and undisturbed.
Example: The soundproof room ensures that I sleep like a rock.
117. Slept like a log
Meaning: Slept deeply and soundly.
Example: After the long hike, he slept like a log through the night.
118. Sly as a fox
Meaning: Clever and cunning.
Example: The con artist was sly as a fox, deceiving people with elaborate schemes.
119. Smooth as butter
Meaning: Very smooth and easy.
Example: The negotiations went smooth as butter, reaching a mutually beneficial agreement.
That was as easy as pie, right?! Now that you know some examples of similes, why not try and incorporate them into your everyday conversation?
James has been helping people teach English abroad for over twelve years. He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online.
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