10 Examples of Similes
A simile is when you compare one thing to another using speech. They are often used to help highlight a person or object’s features or characteristics in a way that helps to get the point across. They are used frequently in everyday language and are often found in art and literature.
A simile will often be quite an exaggeration, but that is not usually a problem. They will sometimes make no sense, at least until you delve into their history. Here are a few of the most common similes you are likely to encounter, and a little about their meanings and origins.
1. As Bright as a Button
“He/she is as bright as a button.” This is a fairly commonly used term in Britain, although it is also used elsewhere. The term is used to describe somebody that is considered to be quick-quitted, cheerful, and full of energy. It is a play on words, appealing to the way that “bright” can refer to something that is shiny or clever. The term quite possibly refers to military dress. People in the armed forces are expected to dress impeccably when in uniform and make sure that everything is as clean and neat as it can possibly be. As such, they would always have had bright buttons on their uniforms.
2. As Light as a Feather
Feathers are very light. So light that they will often just float around if they are dropped, rather than plummeting straight down to the ground. They have evolved to be light because otherwise they would weigh birds down. They are often used in similes to help explain something that is very light.
If something is described as being as light as a feather, it is nearly always quite a considerable exaggeration. Instead of the item being described actually having the same weight as a feather, it is probably just that it is lighter than other similar objects. For example, it might be used to describe an expensive mountain bike, which would be a lot lighter than a standard model.
3. As Cold as Ice
Ice is cold always. If it warms up then it melts and is no longer ice. We often use it in drinks to help keep them cool and most households will have ice in some form in the freezer in their home. It is so cold that it can be uncomfortable to hold, and it can even cause burns if you hold it for too long.
It makes sense that ice would be used to describe something that is very cold temperature wise, but the term also has another meaning. In some instances, it is used to describe somebody that is lacking in emotion; perhaps somebody that is cruel and uncaring.
4. As Common as Dirt
Dirt is very common; it can be found pretty much anywhere. It is also usually worthless and, if anything, we will do what we can to keep it out of the house. It is often used to mean dust and anything else that can make a room “dirty.” It is also sometimes used in lieu of “soil.”
The term “as common as dirt” is often used to describe a person in a derogatory term. It suggests that they are worthless and have no values that help them stand out from the crowd in a positive manner. The term is often used in the context of describing somebody that has poor manners and/or unfavorable behavior.
5. As Cute as a Kitten
There’s nothing that is cuter than a kitten. The little bundles of fur are just delightful to look at and only get cuter when they try to play, often tripping over themselves in the process. If somebody was to say another person is as cute as a kitten, you can be quite sure that they are being complimentary.
The term is most often used as a compliment for young children, especially girls. It can sometimes be used to describe adults, but it might sometimes come over as ill-placed. Regardless, it is nearly always well-meaning, so there is rarely any need to feel offended by it.
6. As Blind as a Bat
Bats are not actually blind at all. As a matter of fact, they tend to have very good night time vision, which makes a lot of sense because they do most of their hunting in the dark. They also have very good hearing, and an echo location system that makes them even more effective at finding their prey.
The echolocation misleads a lot of people into believing that bats don’t use their eyes and, by extension, are blind. As explained, this is just not true, but that doesn’t stop people from using the expression to describe somebody (maybe themselves) that has poor vision.
7. As Cool as a Cucumber
Cucumbers are popular salad vegetables, while they are also sometimes used in smoothies and other healthy foods. They are often used fresh, and directly from the refrigerator, and this means they are often cool to the touch. Their high water content also causes them to feel cool.
The expression “as cool as a cucumber,” however, is not a reference to temperature. Instead, it is used to describe a person or animal that is able to keep their composure even when under a lot of pressure. A lot of sports people are described as being as cool as a cucumber for their ability to perform calmly under great expectations.
8. As Sweet as Sugar
Sugar is very sweet. It is often added to food to make it sweeter, while it also exists naturally in some foods. Eat some fruit, for example, and the sweet flavor will be largely down to a naturally occurring sugar known as fructose. The good news is that these natural sugars are less fattening than refined sugars.
The simile “as sweet as sugar” does not mean to say that a person actually tastes sweet. It is not normal for people to go around tasting each other after all. What it actually means to say is that the person in question is very kind to others.
9. As Happy as a Clam
Clams are delicious and a popular food in many parts of the world. The simile “as happy as a clam” doesn’t seem to make some sense, leading a lot of people to wonder just what it is supposed to mean. The answer lies in how people used to find them for food.
At low tides, clams are exposed and easy pickings for people. At high tide, however, they are covered, and much harder to get to. This then makes sense if you consider that the full term is actually “as happy as a clam at high tide.” It has just been shortened over time, although the meaning is the same.
10. As Hard as Nails
The type of nails that we used to build with are made from hard stuff. They need to be as, after all, they are going to be driven into wood and other materials using a hammer. Their hardness allows them to keep their shape over time, helping to keep them effective for many years into the future.
The simile “as hard as nails” is generally used to describe people or animals that are tough. “Hard” people are those that can withstand a lot of physical and/or emotional hardship and still continue fighting. You can also use the term “as hard as coffin nails” to describe somebody that is even harder.
