10 Examples of Similes
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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.
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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.
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