Examples Of Similes

A simile can be defined as ‘a figure of speech’ that draws comparison between two different things, especially a phrase containing the word ‘like’ or ‘as’. In other words, a simile is used to compare two different things that are not similar in most ways, but are alike in at least one important way. It is an effective technique of describing something. Instead of using plain adjectives to describe a person, object or situation, one can use a simile to make it catchy and interesting. Similes are common in case of creative writing. They are much more effective than a simple description. There are two different types of similes, namely explicit and implicit. Explicit similes are those that use the word ‘as’ to make a comparison, while implicit similes use the word, ‘like’ for comparing two things. They make the descriptions more emphatic or vivid. Similes are often used by writers and speakers, to emphasize a certain characteristic of a thing. Read on further to explore examples of some common English similes used in our day-to-day conversation.

Common English Similes

Explicit Similes

As sly as a fox.
As quiet as a mouse.
As wise as an owl.
As clever as a fox.
As wily as a coyote.
As cute as a button.
As pretty as a picture.
As soft as a baby's behind.
As hard as a rock.
As dumb as rocks.
As brave as a lion.
As noisy as a herd of elephants.
As pure as the driven snow.
As white as the driven snow.
As black as night.
As red as a tomato.
As graceful as a swan.
As poor as a church mouse.
As slow as molasses in January.
As fast/quick as lightning.
As colorful as a rainbow.
As playful as a kitten.
As dead as a door nail.
As pale as a ghost.
As skinny as a rail.
As fat as a cow.
As hungry as a hippo.
As cool as a cat.
As sick as a dog.
As plain as day.
As fake as a three-dollar bill.
As crooked as a politician.
As happy as a lark.
As naked as a jay bird.
As blind as a bat.
As strong as a horse.
As dumb as an ox.
As tough as nails.
As harmless as a dove.
As stubborn as a mule.
As busy as a bee.
As mad as a hatter.
As mad as a hornet.
As mad as the March hare.
As merry as a cricket.
As modest as a maiden.
As much use as a yard of pump water.
As naked as a baby.
As neat as a pin.
As nutty as a fruitcake.
As obstinate as a mule.
As old as the hills.
As pale as death.
As patient as Job.
As plain as day.
As pleased as Punch.
As poor as a church mouse.
As poor as dirt.
As pretty as a picture.
As proud as a peacock.
As pure as snow.
As pure as the driven snow.
As quick as a wink.
As quick as lightning.
As quick as silver.
As right as rain.
As round as a barrel.
As round as a circle.
As round as a sphere.
As safe as houses.
As scarce as hen's teeth.
As sensitive as a flower.
As sharp as a needle.
As sharp as a razor.
As sick as a dog.
As sick as a parrot.
As dense as a brick.
As different as chalk from cheese.
As drunk as a lord.
As dry as a bone.
As dry as dust.
As dull as dishwater.
As easy as A.B.C.
As easy as pie.
As fit as a fiddle.
As flat as a pancake.
As free as a bird.
As fresh as a daisy.
As funny as a balloon.
As gentle as a lamb.
As good as gold.
As happy as a clown.
As happy as a lark.
As happy as Larry.
As happy as a rat with a gold tooth.
As hard as nails.
As high as a kite.
As hoarse as a crow.

Implicit Similes

Eat like a bird.
Live like a pig.
Eat like a pig.
Swim like a fish.
Eyes like a hawk.
Sleep like a baby.
Work like the devil.
Drink like a fish.
Run around like a chicken with its head cut off.
Live like a candle in the wind.
Lie like a sieve.
Take it like a man.
Sing like a bird.
Like finding a needle in a haystack.
Multiply like rabbits.
To know like the back of one’s hand.
As many as the sands of the seashore.
Like a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Similes have been a part of creative writing since time immemorial. They are among the oldest of literary devices and many of them have been used so stereotypically over the years that, they have become part of everyday speech. Similes are also used in an ironic manner to draw comparisons which are the total contrary to what the author means to say. For instance, the statement “he was as much use as a chocolate teapot”, basically means he was of no use at all.

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Examples Of Similes

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