V0cabulary, Idioms & Expressions (VIE)

Similes

• An expression that describes something by comparing it with something else, using the words ‘as’ or ‘like’.

• The comparison points out a similarity between the two, which allows us to understand the first thing better.

Similes

• Writers, especially poets, use similes to point out new and interesting ways of viewing the world.

• Their use of similes provides us with vivid mental pictures that make their thoughts and perspectives more accessible.

Similes – 2 AprHeart as hard as stoneHighlights the quality that both the hearts and the stone share – their hardness; people are unfeeling.The people’s hearts are as hard as stone.

Like two peas in a podTwo people being very similar in thought and actionJordan and Jeremy are like two peas in a pod, sometimes they even say the same things.     

Similes – 3 Apr

As blind as a batAn exaggeration used to show someone who is unable to see clearlyI'm as blind as a bat without my glasses.

Eats like a birdCompare eating habits to that of a bird who supposedly eats very little

Jane is undernourished because she eats like a bird.      

Similes – 4 Apr

Like a box of chocolateCompare the uncertainty of life to the uncertainty of choosing a chocolate from a boxLife is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get.

As deep as the oceanGreat passion and intense feelingMy love for English is a deep as the ocean.

Similes – 5 AprAs strong as an ox To describe someone who is extremely strong physically Shahid is as strong as an ox. He can easily carry five packets of 10-kg rice.

As different as night and dayCompletely different, totally unlikeJack and Michael are as different as night and day; Jack is very hardworking whereas Michael is unmotivated.

Similes – 8 Apr

Fit like a gloveFit very wellThis dress is perfect for Lydia because it fits like a glove.

Stick out like a sore thumbClearly and obviously different from the people or things that are around it.John stuck out like a sore thumb because he was inappropriately dressed for Graduation Night.

Similes – 9 Apr

As dry as a boneExtremely dryMelvin needs to drink water desperately as his throat is as dry as a bone.

Feel like paradiseSupreme happiness or delightWhile on an overseas vacation recently, Glen felt like paradise.

Similes – 10 Apr

As clear as mudVery confusing and unclearThe reason that Kenny gave for not submitting his work was as clear as mud.

Like a ton of bricksA great weight or burdenSuddenly, the truth hit Aaron like a ton of bricks.

Similes – 11 Apr

As explosive as a volcanoVery angryFahmi was as explosive as a volcano when he found out his mobile phone had been stolen.

Like a bump on a logUnmoving, inactiveVictor just sat there like a bump on a log, refusing to join in the games.

Similes – 12 Apr

Like an open book A person who is very open with his feelings and emotions.Charles could read Wilbur’s face like an open book as his emotion was clearly displayed on his face.

Like watching grass growVery boring, uninterestingWatching that uninteresting movie was like watching grass grow.

Similes – 15 Apr

Like a babyActing in a childish manner Jason threw such a temper tantrum over such a small issue; he was acting like a baby.

like a fish out of waterCompletely unfamiliar with one's surroundings or activity.Benjamin felt like a fish out of water when he went overseas for the first time to Cambodia.