How well do you sleep? Do you sleep like a log?
What is a Simile? Exercises, Definition and Examples
If you are interested in learning about similes then this article can be a great reference. Although it is written to help language learners it is informative and interesting.
There are clear definitions, how to use similes, the difference between the simile and metaphors, detailed examples with definitions and example sentences and conversations, practice exercises and your questions answered.
We hope you enjoy reading and learning and if you have any questions or requests please let us know. Thank you.
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’, so to help understand the characteristics of something
Similes are figures of speech that have a special meaning so they are called figurative language, which means they have an additional meaning more than the individual words.
Dictionary Definitions
a figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by like or as (as in cheeks like roses) [1]
a simile is a description that uses “like” or “as” to make a comparison [2]
(the use of) an expression comparing one thing with another, always including the words “as” or “like” [3]
2 -Difference Between Simile and Metaphors
Simile and Metaphors are both figures of speech that use a comparison of two things but they have differences.
- Similes use ‘as’ and ‘like’ to make the comparison
- Similes make an indirect comparison, whilst metaphors make a direct comparison
- Similes are generally very short phrase or small sentences, whilst metaphors can be used over a larger text
“A simile is a figure of speech that compares two otherwise dissimilar things, often introduced by the words like or as (‘you are like a summer’s day’). A metaphor is when a word is used in place of another to suggest a likeness (‘you are a summer’s day’).” [4]
Similes vs Metaphors:
- As quiet as a mouse, as strong as an ox, and as fit as a fiddle (Similes)
- Heart of gold, a penny for your thoughts, and time is money (Metaphors)
3 - How to Use Similes
Use language to help communicate with the reader or listener. For example, if you are talking to a friend or family you might use your common knowledge to explain something. You can do the same in your language, your writing and speaking.
For example, if you say your bedroom is like an oven or like the South Pole another person will understand it is either very hot or very cold. It is this understanding that helps communicate the idea.
If you were to say your bedroom is like an orange or like a field then nobody understands what you mean, so this is poor communication.
The simile must contain a likeness of something that possesses the point your are making (lion has bravery, cucumber is cool), and, it must be commonly known so that your reader or listener will understand it.
Cultural Context
As hard as nails is commonly used in English-speaking cultures to describe someone or something that is extremely tough, strong, or resilient.
It conveys the idea of unyielding hardness, comparable to the strength and durability of nails used in construction.
The phrase is often applied to individuals who are emotionally or physically tough, demonstrating unwavering determination or resilience in the face of challenges.
4 - Examples of Similes
To understand similes and how they are used here are four examples with definitions, example sentences and conversation and an explanation of their use
As light as a feather
Definition: This simile compares the weight of something or someone to the weightlessness of a feather, indicating that it is very light.
Example Sentences:
- “The package was as light as a feather, so I could carry it easily.”
- “After a good night’s sleep, I felt as light as a feather, ready to tackle the day ahead.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “How was the box you had to carry?”
- Person 2: “Oh, it was no problem at all. It was as light as a feather.”
- Person 1: “That’s great! Sounds like it wasn’t too difficult then.”
Explanation: This simile effectively conveys the idea of something being extremely light by comparing it to the weightlessness of a feather. Feathers are universally recognized for their lightness, so the comparison helps readers or listeners understand just how easy to carry or how unburdened something feels.
As cool as a cucumber
Definition: This simile describes someone who remains calm, composed, and unruffled even in stressful situations.
Example Sentences:
- “Despite the chaos around her, she remained as cool as a cucumber.”
- “During the exam, he stayed as cool as a cucumber and didn’t let the pressure get to him.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “How did you manage to stay calm during the presentation?”
- Person 2: “I just tried to stay as cool as a cucumber and focus on delivering my points.”
- Person 1: “Impressive! I wish I could be as calm under pressure.”
Explanation: This simile effectively communicates the idea of someone maintaining composure and remaining calm in stressful situations. Cucumbers are typically associated with coolness and freshness, so the comparison highlights the person’s ability to stay cool-headed and collected despite external pressures.
As busy as a bee
Definition: This simile describes someone who is very industrious, active, and constantly engaged in tasks or activities.
Example Sentences:
- “During harvest season, the farmers are as busy as bees, working from dawn till dusk.”
- “With all the preparations for the event, she’s been as busy as a bee lately.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “I haven’t seen Sarah in a while. What’s she been up to?”
- Person 2: “Oh, she’s been as busy as a bee with her new project at work.”
- Person 1: “No wonder I haven’t heard from her. She must be swamped.”
Explanation: This simile effectively conveys the idea of someone being extremely active and hardworking by likening them to the industrious nature of bees. Bees are known for their constant buzzing activity as they collect pollen and nectar, so the comparison highlights the person’s diligence and productivity.
Like two peas in a pod
Definition: This simile describes two people or things that are very similar in appearance, behavior, or characteristics, often to the point of being nearly identical.
Example Sentences:
- “They’re like two peas in a pod, always dressing alike and finishing each other’s sentences.”
- “The twins are as close as can be, like two peas in a pod.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “Have you seen the new interns? They look exactly alike!”
- Person 2: “Yeah, they’re like two peas in a pod. It’s hard to tell them apart.”
- Person 1: “I know, right? They even have the same mannerisms.”
Explanation: This simile effectively communicates the idea of two entities being nearly identical or very similar in appearance or behavior. Peas in a pod are often identical in size, shape, and color, so the comparison highlights the close resemblance between the two people or things being described. It emphasizes their strong bond or similarity.
If you want to see other types of expression visit our dedicated page: Types of English Expressions
5 - Simile Examples (Compare two things using the words)
In this section there are 9 ways to use similes from human or animal traits and characteristics, the weather, colors to words of wisdom.
Mastering Metaphors: Exploring Human Traits in Similes
As blind as a bat
- Unable to see clearly
- Tommy couldn’t find his toy because he was as blind as a bat.
As cunning as a fox (also used is ‘as sly as a fox’)
- Very clever and sly
- Sarah was able to sneak past her brother’s room because she was as cunning as a fox.
As bold as brass
- Fearless and confident
- Jack raised his hand confidently, showing he was as bold as brass.
As blind as a bat describes someone who is unable to see clearly, often used to emphasize poor vision or lack of perception. It suggests a level of visual impairment similar to that of a bat, known for its reliance on using echo rather than sight.
As cunning as a fox portrays someone who is very clever and sly, often used to describe individuals adept at deception or manipulation. It draws on the reputation of foxes in folklore as crafty and cunning creatures.
As bold as brass implies fearlessness and confidence. It’s used to depict individuals who are assertive or audacious, unafraid to take risks or stand up for themselves.
Shining Similes: Exploring Cleanliness and Clarity in Language
As clean as a whistle
- Very clean or spotless
- Mom said the kitchen was as clean as a whistle after she finished cleaning it.
Clear as crystal
- Completely transparent or easy to understand
- The teacher’s explanation was as clear as crystal, and everyone understood the lesson.
As clean as a whistle signifies something that is very clean or spotless, often used to describe cleanliness or purity. It conveys the idea of something being pristine or free from dirt or blemishes.
Clear as crystal indicates complete transparency or easy understanding. It’s used to convey clarity and simplicity, suggesting that something is readily comprehensible without ambiguity.
As clean as a whistle is also used to explain something that worked perfectly like hitting a ball (“he hit the ball as clean as a whistle”) or to make a cut (“she cut off the edge, now it is as clean as a whistle”).
Chilling Comparisons: Exploring Temperature and Sensation in Similes
As cold as ice:
- Extremely cold
- Sally’s hands were as cold as ice after playing outside in the snow.
As hot as a furnace
- Very hot or intense.
- The room felt as hot as a furnace on the sunny afternoon.
As cold as ice denotes something extremely cold, emphasizing the intensity of coldness. It evokes the chilling sensation associated with ice, implying a profound level of coldness.
As hot as a furnace characterizes something as very hot or intense, suggesting extreme heat. It evokes images of a blazing furnace, symbolizing intense heat.
Wild Wisdom: Animal Comparisons in Language and Culture
As innocent as a lamb
- Completely innocent or pure
- Jenny looked as innocent as a lamb when she apologized for breaking the vase.
As strong as an ox
- Very physically strong.
- Dad was able to lift the heavy box because he was as strong as an ox.
As innocent as a lamb suggests complete purity or naivety. It draws on the image of lambs as gentle and harmless creatures, devoid of malice or evil.
As strong as an ox portrays someone as very physically strong. It’s used to emphasize robustness and power, drawing on the image of oxen, known for their strength and endurance.
Feasting and Dreaming: Exploring Similes of Eating and Sleeping
Eat like a pig
- Eat greedily, messily and too quickly
- Timmy always eats like a pig, leaving crumbs all over the table.
Sleep like a log
- Sleep very deeply and soundly
- After playing all day, the children slept like logs through the night.
Eat like a pig describes someone who eats greedily or messily, often consuming food in large quantities without restraint. It evokes the image of pigs, known for their voracious appetites and messy eating habits.
Sleep like a log describes someone that sleeps very deeply and soundly, without disturbances. It suggests a state of peaceful and uninterrupted sleep, similar to the immobility of a log.
Vivid Imagery: Colors and Appearance in Similes
As black as coal
- Completely black in color
- The night sky was as black as coal during the power outage.
White as a ghost:
- Very pale or white in appearance
- Mary saw the spider, she turned as white as a ghost with fear.
As black as coal characterizes something as completely black in color, often used to describe darkness or the absence of light. It draws on the deep black hue of coal, symbolizing darkness or obscurity.
White as a ghost implies a very pale or white appearance. It evokes the image of a ghost, typically depicted as pale in folklore and popular culture.
Sage Sayings: Wisdom and Intelligence in Similes
Wise like an owl
- Very wise or knowledgeable
- Grandma is wise like an owl; she always gives the best advice.
As bright as a button
- Very intelligent or quick-witted
- Bobby is as bright as a button; he always knows the answer in class.
Wise like an owl signifies someone who is very wise or knowledgeable. It draws on the association of owls with wisdom in folklore and mythology, portraying individuals as possessing keen insight and discernment.
As bright as a button suggests that someone is very intelligent or quick-witted. It conveys the idea of mental sharpness, similar to the brightness of a button catching one’s attention.
Towering Comparisons: Exploring Physical Attributes in Similes
As tall as a giraffe
- Very tall in height
- The basketball player was as tall as a giraffe, towering over everyone else.
Fit like a glove
- Perfectly suited or fitting.
- The new shoes fit Sarah’s feet like a glove; they were very comfortable.
Deaf as a post
- Completely unable to hear
- Grandpa is as deaf as a post; he needs hearing aids to hear properly.
As tall as a giraffe characterizes someone as very tall in height. It evokes the image of giraffes, known for their towering stature among land animals, emphasizing significant height.
Fit like a glove indicates something fits perfectly or snugly. It conveys the idea of precise and comfortable fitting, similar to a glove that conforms perfectly to the hand.
Deaf as a post describes someone who is completely unable to hear. It emphasizes profound deafness, drawing a comparison to an inanimate object like a post, which obviously cannot hear at all. This simile vividly conveys the idea of total or severe hearing impairment, suggesting an inability to perceive sound.
Dynamic Descriptions: Movement and Agility in Similes
Fight like cats and dogs
- Engage in frequent and intense arguments
- The siblings fight like cats and dogs over the TV remote.
Swim like a fish:
- Swim very skillfully or effortlessly
- Danny can swim like a fish; he’s the fastest swimmer on the team.
Fight like cats and dogs describes a situation where people or animals are engaged in frequent and intense arguments or conflicts. It evokes the image of cats and dogs, traditionally seen as natural adversaries, engaged in aggressive behavior towards each other.
Swim like a fish means someone can swim very skillfully or effortlessly. It suggests a high level of proficiency in swimming, akin to the grace and agility of fish in water.
6 - Simile Practice Exercises
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game Match
Similes:
- As light as a feather
- As cool as a cucumber
- As busy as a bee
- As blind as a bat
- As clean as a whistle
- As cold as ice
- As bold as brass
Meanings:
- a. Very calm and composed
- b. Extremely light
- c. Working very hard or being very active
- d. Unable to see clearly
- e. Very clean or spotless
- f. Extremely cold
- g. Fearless and confident
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
- Despite the hot weather, she remained _______________.
- The package was so small and easy to carry; it was _______________.
- Timmy was so sneaky; he was _______________.
- The ice cream was melting quickly because it was _______________.
- The room was _______________ after Mom cleaned it.
- The playground was deserted; it was _______________.
- Sarah stood up to the bully; she was _______________.
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
- The children were ______________ during the story at the library.
- After a long day of hiking, Jack ______________ in his tent.
- Sarah’s smile was ______________when she received her exam results.
- Despite being tired, Lucy remained ______________throughout the family gathering.
- The group felt ______________ after the morning exercise.
- Jumping about so much, Tommy’s was ______________ in the school play.
- The instructions for the game were ______________, making it easy for everyone to understand.
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- What qualities does a fox possess that make it a fitting comparison for someone described as “cunning”?
- How does the metaphorical association of wisdom with owls reflect cultural beliefs or folklore?
- In what ways does the height of a giraffe serve as an effective simile for describing someone or something tall?
- What aspects of the ocean’s depth make it a compelling comparison for describing profound or complex concepts?
- How does the intensity of thunder contribute to its effectiveness as a simile for loudness or power?
- What attributes of a button contribute to its suitability as a comparison for brightness or intelligence?
- How does “as fit as a fiddle” convey both physical health and overall well-being?
PART 2
In this section we have 20 simple and 20 advanced multiple choice questions.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
- “As busy as a ___.”
- a) bird
- b) bee
- c) mouse
- d) bear
- “As blind as a ___.”
- a) cat
- b) dog
- c) bat
- d) bird
- “As light as a ___.”
- a) feather
- b) stone
- c) brick
- d) leaf
- “As clear as ___.”
- a) glass
- b) mirror
- c) water
- d) mud
- “As cool as a ___.”
- a) cucumber
- b) banana
- c) tomato
- d) carrot
- “As clean as a ___.”
- a) whistle
- b) bell
- c) drum
- d) horn
- “As cold as ___.”
- a) snow
- b) ice
- c) winter
- d) frost
- “As hot as a ___.”
- a) volcano
- b) desert
- c) sun
- d) furnace
- “As brave as a ___.”
- a) lion
- b) tiger
- c) bear
- d) elephant
- “As quiet as a ___.”
- a) mouse
- b) cat
- c) dog
- d) bird
- “As heavy as ___.”
- a) rock
- b) metal
- c) stone
- d) iron
- “As slow as ___.”
- a) turtle
- b) snail
- c) sloth
- d) slug
- “As wise as an ___.”
- a) owl
- b) eagle
- c) hawk
- d) falcon
- “As fast as ___.”
- a) lightning
- b) thunder
- c) wind
- d) rain
- “As hungry as a ___.”
- a) bear
- b) wolf
- c) lion
- d) tiger
- “As sharp as a ___.”
- a) knife
- b) sword
- c) dagger
- d) spear
- “As strong as an ___.”
- a) elephant
- b) ox
- c) gorilla
- d) bear
- “As thin as a ___.”
- a) stick
- b) twig
- c) branch
- d) log
- “As red as a ___.”
- a) cherry
- b) strawberry
- c) tomato
- d) apple
- “As big as a ___.”
- a) elephant
- b) whale
- c) mountain
- d) dinosaur
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
- “He was as sly as a ___.”
- a) fox
- b) wolf
- c) snake
- d) hawk
- “She sings like an ___.”
- a) angel
- b) eagle
- c) owl
- d) lion
- “The news hit him like a ___.”
- a) brick
- b) hammer
- c) bomb
- d) feather
- “She’s as fierce as a ___.”
- a) lioness
- b) bear
- c) tiger
- d) shark
- “He was as cold as ___.”
- a) stone
- b) steel
- c) ice
- d) marble
- “She ran as fast as a ___.”
- a) cheetah
- b) gazelle
- c) horse
- d) hare
- “His words cut through her like a ___.”
- a) knife
- b) sword
- c) dagger
- d) spear
- “Her laughter was as infectious as ___.”
- a) wildfire
- b) sunshine
- c) rain
- d) thunder
- “He was as smooth as ___.”
- a) silk
- b) satin
- c) velvet
- d) wool
- “The silence was as deafening as ___.”
- a) thunder
- b) lightning
- c) silence
- d) explosion
- “She’s as graceful as a ___.”
- a) swan
- b) flamingo
- c) peacock
- d) dove
- “He fought like a ___.”
- a) warrior
- b) gladiator
- c) champion
- d) soldier
- “She was as radiant as the ___.”
- a) moon
- b) stars
- c) sun
- d) galaxy
- “The room was as quiet as a ___.”
- a) graveyard
- b) library
- c) church
- d) forest
- “The children played together like ___.”
- a) puppies
- b) kittens
- c) lambs
- d) chicks
- “He was as wise as an ___.”
- a) owl
- b) eagle
- c) hawk
- d) falcon
- “The storm raged on like a ___.”
- a) lion
- b) tiger
- c) bear
- d) wolf
- “She was as fierce as a ___.”
- a) lioness
- b) tigress
- c) cheetah
- d) leopard
- “The atmosphere was as tense as a ___.”
- a) bowstring
- b) drum
- c) wire
- d) rope
- “The building shook like a ___.”
- a) leaf
- b) twig
- c) branch
- d) tree
7 - Simile Q & A
What are some examples of similes?
Examples of similes include “as brave as a lion,” “like two peas in a pod,” and “as busy as a bee.” These comparisons enhance descriptions and make language more colorful.
How do similes differ from metaphors?
While similes use ‘like’ or ‘as’ to make comparisons, metaphors directly equate two things without using these words. Both similes and metaphors add depth to writing and create imagery.
What is a simile and example?
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words “like” or “as.” For example, “She is as brave as a lion.”
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile compares two things using “like” or “as,” while a metaphor directly states that one thing is another. For example, “Life is like a journey” (simile) versus “Life is a journey” (metaphor).
How do you identify a simile in a sentence?
Look for words such as “like” or “as” that signal a comparison between two things in the sentence. For example, “The night was as dark as coal.”
What are some common similes used in English?
Common similes include “as busy as a bee,” “as cold as ice,” and “as light as a feather.”
Why are similes used in writing?
Similes are used in writing to create vivid imagery, enhance descriptions, and make comparisons more relatable and understandable to the reader.
How do you use similes effectively in writing?
Use similes sparingly and appropriately to add depth and color to your writing, ensuring they contribute to the overall message or mood of the text.
What are some examples of similes in famous literature?
Examples of similes in famous literature include “He fought like a lion” from Shakespeare’s works and “Her smile was as bright as the sun” from contemporary novels.
Can you provide exercises or activities to practice using similes?
Practice writing sentences using similes by comparing different objects, emotions, or situations to improve your understanding and usage.
Are there cultural differences in simile usage?
Yes, similes can vary across cultures and languages, reflecting unique cultural perspectives and experiences.
How do similes contribute to understanding and appreciation of poetry?
Similes in poetry create vivid imagery, evoke emotions, and deepen the reader’s understanding of the themes and messages conveyed in the poem.
References
[1] Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/simile
[2] Grammarly https://www.grammarly.com/blog/simile/
[3] Cambridge https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/simile
[4] Merriam-Webster https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/metaphor-vs-simile
Answers
Exercise 1
- As light as a feather b. Extremely light
- As cool as a cucumber a. Very calm and composed
- As busy as a bee c. Working very hard or being very active
- As blind as a bat d. Unable to see clearly
- As clean as a whistle e. Very clean or spotless
- As cold as ice f. Extremely cold
- As bold as brass g. Fearless and confident
Exercise 2
- Despite the hot weather, she remained as cool as a cucumber
- The package was so small and easy to carry; it was as light as a feather
- Timmy was so sneaky; he was as sly/cunning as a fox
- The ice cream was melting quickly because it was as hot as a furnace.
- The room was as clean as a whistle after Mom cleaned it.
- The playground was deserted; it was as quiet as a mouse.
- Sarah stood up to the bully; she was as brave as a lion.
Exercise 3
- The children were as quiet as mice during the story at the library.
- After a long day of hiking, Jack slept like a log in his tent.
- Sarah’s smile was as pretty as a picture when she received her exam results.
- Despite being tired, Lucy remained as good as gold throughout the family gathering.
- The group felt as fresh as daisies after the morning exercise.
- Jumping about so much, Tommy’s was as mad as a box of frogs in the school play.
- The instructions for the game were as clear as day, making it easy for everyone to understand.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
- “As busy as a ___.” b) bee
- “As blind as a ___.” c) bat
- “As light as a ___.” a) feather
- “As clear as ___.” d) mud
- “As cool as a ___.” a) cucumber
- “As clean as a ___.” a) whistle
- “As cold as ___.” b) ice
- “As hot as a ___.” d) furnace
- “As brave as a ___.” a) lion
- “As quiet as a ___.” a) mouse
- “As heavy as ___.” c) stone
- “As slow as ___.” b) snail
- “As wise as an ___.” a) owl
- “As fast as ___.” a) lightning
- “As hungry as a ___.” b) wolf
- “As sharp as a ___.” a) knife
- “As strong as an ___.” b) ox
- “As thin as a ___.” b) twig
- “As red as a ___.” d) apple
- “As big as a ___.” c) mountain
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
- “He was as sly as a ___.” a) fox
- “She sings like an ___.” a) angel
- “The news hit him like a ___.” c) bomb
- “She’s as fierce as a ___.” a) lioness
- “He was as cold as ___.” c) ice
- “She ran as fast as a ___.” a) cheetah
- “His words cut through her like a ___.” b) sword
- “Her laughter was as infectious as ___.” a) wildfire
- “He was as smooth as ___.” c) velvet
- “The silence was as deafening as ___.” d) explosion
- “She’s as graceful as a ___.” a) swan
- “He fought like a ___.” d) soldier
- “She was as radiant as the ___.” c) sun
- “The room was as quiet as a ___.” a) graveyard
- “The children played together like ___.” b) kittens
- “He was as wise as an ___.” a) owl
- “The storm raged on like a ___.” a) lion
- “She was as fierce as a ___.” d) leopard
- “The atmosphere was as tense as a ___.” a) bowstring
- “The building shook like a ___.” d) tree
If you want to see other types of expression visit our dedicated page: Types of English Expressions