Similes & Metaphors
Using similes and metaphors well can make your English sound more natural, expressive, and confident. They add colour to descriptions, help you persuade and entertain, and allow you to capture subtle meanings that literal language may miss. If you are learning English, this page will help you recognise these comparisons in context, understand how they work, and choose the right form for your own writing and speaking. Read the examples carefully, notice the patterns, and try adapting them to new situations; with practice, you will build a richer vocabulary and develop a sharper, more flexible style.
1,235 entries in this category
Animals
49Very shy and timid.
"The new student was as timid as a rabbit on the first day."
Very cheerful and joyful.
"He woke up as happy as a lark on the first day of vacation."
Very playful and energetic.
"The puppy was as playful as a kitten."
Very hungry.
"I skipped lunch and came home as hungry as a wolf."
Uncomfortable in a situation that is unfamiliar.
"At the formal dinner, I felt like a fish out of water."
Calm and unbothered.
"Even under pressure, he stayed as cool as a cat."
Very slow.
"The line moved as slow as a turtle."
Very meek and submissive.
"He seemed as meek as a lamb in the meeting."
Clumsy and likely to cause damage.
"He moved through the crowded room like a bull in a china shop."
Going into danger without realizing it.
"The hikers walked into the storm like lambs to the slaughter."
Very quick.
"She was as quick as a rabbit on the track."
Very quick and agile.
"She was as quick as a cat when she caught the falling glass."
A person who is different from the rest of the family, often in a negative way.
"He was the black sheep of the family because he never followed the family business."
Very loyal and devoted.
"He was as loyal as a dog to his old friends."
Very agile and able to move easily.
"The climber was as agile as a monkey on the rocks."
Very busy and always working.
"The kitchen staff were as busy as ants before the dinner rush."
Completely dead or no longer working.
"The old battery was as dead as a doornail."
A person who prefers to act alone.
"She is a lone wolf and usually works without a team."
A very active and hardworking person.
"Tom is a busy bee who always finds another project to finish."
Very weak or lacking strength.
"After the flu, she felt as weak as a kitten."
Very stubborn.
"The toddler was as stubborn as a goat at bedtime."
Very hard of hearing.
"You have to shout at him because he is as deaf as a post."
Something that seems powerful but is actually weak.
"The new threat turned out to be a paper tiger."
A person who is considered different or disreputable in a group.
"He was seen as the black sheep of the family."
A person or thing in a vulnerable position.
"Without security, the store was a sitting duck for thieves."
Something that produces a lot of money.
"That popular product has become a real cash cow for the company."
Very shy or timid.
"The new student was as timid as a mouse on the first day."
Completely free and without limits.
"On the open road, he felt as free as the wind."
A person used for testing or experimentation.
"The interns felt like guinea pigs for the new training system."
A very enjoyable time.
"We had a whale of a time at the beach last weekend."
A person who stays up late at night.
"My brother is a night owl and does his best work after midnight."
A person who is easily frightened.
"Do not be such a scaredy cat and come watch the movie."
Eat very little.
"She eats like a bird, so one small sandwich is enough for lunch."
Drink a lot of alcohol.
"At the reunion, he drank like a fish and told the same stories twice."
Very observant and quick to notice details.
"The editor was eagle eyed and caught every mistake."
A person who feels awkward or out of place.
"At the fancy dinner, I felt like a fish out of water."
Sweat heavily.
"After the long run, I was sweating like a pig."
Suspect that something is wrong or dishonest.
"I smelled a rat when the seller refused to answer basic questions."
Very busy and hardworking.
"He was busy as a beaver all weekend fixing the house."
A person who copies someone else.
"Stop being a copycat and come up with your own idea."
A dangerous person who hides harmful intentions behind a harmless appearance.
"The charming salesman was a wolf in sheep's clothing."
People with similar interests or behavior tend to spend time together.
"They all love the same games, and birds of a feather flock together."
Achieve two things with one action.
"By walking to work, I can kill two birds with one stone and exercise too."
The largest part of something.
"The oldest child got the lion's share of the inheritance."
Go directly and quickly toward something.
"As soon as the doors opened, everyone made a beeline for the food table."
A manager who appears only briefly and does not stay involved.
"The team complained that the new boss was a seagull manager."
Very angry.
"He was mad as a hornet after his bike was stolen."
Shake a lot because of fear, cold, or nervousness.
"She was shaking like a leaf before her first speech."
Very happy and comfortable.
"The kids were happy as pigs in mud after getting to play outside all day."
Appearance & Beauty
79As attractive as one has always been.
"Even after years away, he was as handsome as ever."
very attractive or pleasing to look at
"She looked pretty as a picture in her blue dress."
Very attractive or pleasing to look at.
"She arrived at the party as pretty as a picture in a blue dress."
smooth, elegant, and attractive
"Her hair was as fine as silk after the salon visit."
Very beautiful or charming.
"The garden looked as lovely as a rose in the morning light."
Extremely pleasant or attractive in appearance.
"The garden looked as lovely as can be in the spring sun."
having a sleek, polished appearance
"The table was as smooth as glass after it was polished."
Looking bright, neat, and energetic.
"After a quick nap, he came back as fresh as a daisy."
Still looking stylish and attractive.
"The actress was as elegant as ever at the awards ceremony."
something or someone very beautiful
"The garden in spring is a beauty to behold."
Looking lively, cheerful, and attractive.
"The child was as bright as a button in her new coat."
Very light, fresh, or beautiful in appearance.
"Her complexion was as fair as the day."
Extremely beautiful, almost unreal.
"The ballroom looked as beautiful as a dream."
dressed up in a stylish and attractive way
"She was all dolled up for the gala."
Moving in a smooth and elegant way.
"She danced across the stage as graceful as a swan."
Moving with easy elegance and beauty.
"The model walked down the runway as graceful as a gazelle."
Exceptionally tidy and well dressed.
"He arrived at the party as neat as a new pin."
wearing very stylish or striking clothes
"He was dressed to kill for the awards ceremony."
attract a lot of attention because of appearance
"Her new hairstyle is sure to turn heads."
Very attractive in a small or charming way.
"The puppy was as cute as a button."
A very beautiful and innocent looking face.
"The toddler had a face like an angel."
An unappealing or unattractive face.
"He joked that he had a face only a mother could love."
Very neat, tidy, or spotless in appearance.
"His shirt was as clean as a whistle for the interview."
someone or something attractive to look at
"The movie had plenty of eye candy."
A woman who is beautiful and highly valued.
"Everyone called her a jewel of a woman."
Looking bright, glowing, and beautiful.
"She looked as radiant as the sun on her wedding day."
extremely attractive
"She was drop-dead gorgeous in the red gown."
very glamorous or striking appearance
"She has movie star looks and a confident smile."
Very attractive, especially in a polished and impressive way.
"He showed up to the event as handsome as a prince."
A perfect example of beauty.
"In that gown, she was the picture of beauty."
Looking smooth, elegant, and stylish.
"The new car was as sleek as a cat."
The most beautiful or valued part of something.
"The old cathedral is the jewel in the crown of the city."
having an unreal, beautiful appearance
"The wedding venue looked like something out of a dream."
beautiful in a refined and artistic way
"The bride's dress was like a work of art."
A very attractive person who gets attention.
"In that red coat, she was a real head turner."
Looking or feeling very refined, even, and elegant.
"Her skin looked as smooth as silk."
Very pale or pure in color.
"The brides dress was as white as snow."
Looking very attractive and polished.
"She showed up looking like a model."
brightly and beautifully attractive
"The actress was radiant with beauty on the red carpet."
an especially photogenic face
"He has a face made for the camera."
Bright red or strongly flushed.
"Her cheeks were as red as a rose after the compliment."
Looking stylish, polished, and exceptionally attractive.
"Their living room looked like something out of a magazine."
smooth, refined, and carefully groomed
"Her presentation was as polished as a mirror."
Extremely pale in appearance.
"He looked as pale as a ghost after hearing the news."
Very red in the face or skin.
"He came in from the cold, as red as a cherry."
Very pale, usually from fear or illness.
"She went as white as a sheet when she heard the news."
Looking calm and composed, often in a stylish way.
"Even under pressure, she looked as cool as a cucumber."
graceful and stylish in appearance
"She walked into the room as elegant as a swan."
Very dark in color.
"Her hair was as black as coal."
Looking strikingly confident or flashy.
"He strode in as bold as brass wearing a bright yellow jacket."
very beautiful in a soft or delicate way
"The poem describes her as fair as the moon."
someone or something rare and beautiful
"The old necklace was a pearl of beauty."
Very tidy and well groomed.
"Her hair was as neat as a pin before the ceremony."
Very light-haired and attractive in a neat, stylized way.
"The child looked as blonde as a doll in the sunlight."
Looking very clean, polished, or bright.
"His shoes were as shiny as a new penny."
full of beauty and color
"The courtyard looked like a garden in bloom."
showing fresh and attractive beauty
"She was blooming with beauty on her birthday."
Very pleasing, well behaved, or appealing.
"The little girl was as good as gold at the family dinner."
the perfect example of beauty
"To many people, she is the epitome of beauty."
What looks beautiful to one person may not look beautiful to another.
"I may not like the painting, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Someone or something very pleasing to see.
"After a long trip, the hotel looked like a sight for sore eyes."
Someone or something with natural beauty or worth that is not yet polished.
"The shy new designer was a diamond in the rough."
The most beautiful of all.
"The young actress was called the fairest of them all."
A person who seems especially beautiful, pure, or lovely.
"In that white dress, she looked like an angel."
Someone or something extremely beautiful to behold.
"She walked into the room a vision of beauty."
Someone or something that is strikingly attractive.
"That red gown is a real stunner."
Extremely attractive or beautiful.
"The actress looked drop dead gorgeous at the premiere."
Pleasant or attractive to look at.
"The new living room design is easy on the eyes."
Someone or something that is amazingly attractive.
"Her new haircut was a knockout."
Looking healthy, fresh, and attractive.
"After months of rest, he looked the picture of health."
Something or someone appealingly new, lively, or attractive.
"Her natural style was a breath of fresh air."
To look beautifully radiant or luminous.
"She seemed to glow with beauty under the soft lights."
To look especially attractive or impressive.
"At the gala, he seemed to shine like a star."
To look extremely attractive, stylish, or impressive.
"You look like a million dollars in that suit."
To look glamorous and very attractive.
"She looked like a movie star at the awards dinner."
Someone or something that is precious, lovely, or elegant.
"Her small silver necklace made her seem like a pearl."
A person who stands out as especially beautiful among less attractive surroundings.
"At the crowded event, she was a rose among thorns."
Extremely attractive, usually describing a man.
"The actor was as handsome as sin on the red carpet."
Very clear and not glamorous or embellished.
"The flaw in the design was as plain as day."
Character & Personality
55Very brave and fearless.
"She was as brave as a lion when she stood up to the bully."
A strong, determined person.
"My aunt is a tough cookie and never gives up."
Cruel, unpleasant, or malicious.
"The villain in the story was as mean as a snake."
Very quiet and shy.
"He was as quiet as a mouse during the meeting."
A lively, cheerful person who makes social events fun.
"Jenna is the life and soul of the party."
Hard to catch, control, or pin down, often because of dishonesty.
"The suspect was as slippery as an eel when questioned by the police."
A person who seems wiser or more mature than their age.
"Even as a child, she was an old soul."
Extremely stubborn and unwilling to change.
"My brother is as stubborn as a mule when he makes up his mind."
Very pleasant, kind, or charming.
"Her new neighbor is as sweet as pie."
An important or influential person in a small group or limited setting.
"He was a big fish in a small pond at his old company."
A person in a family or group who is seen as different or embarrassing.
"He was considered the black sheep of the family."
Very clever in a tricky or secretive way.
"The salesman was as sly as a fox and knew exactly how to close the deal."
Very wise and thoughtful.
"Grandpa seems as wise as an owl whenever I ask for advice."
A very eager and hardworking person.
"She is an eager beaver who always finishes her assignments early."
A person whose good qualities should be copied.
"Our coach is a shining example of discipline and kindness."
A very funny and amusing person.
"Tom is a barrel of laughs when he is in a good mood."
Very innocent and harmless.
"She looked as innocent as a lamb, but she had caused the whole mess."
A shy person who is reluctant to draw attention.
"He is no shrinking violet when he gives a presentation."
Very gentle and kind.
"The nurse was as gentle as a lamb with the frightened child."
A person who is honest and direct.
"You can trust her opinion because she is a straight shooter."
A person who loves reading.
"My sister is a bookworm and always has a novel with her."
An energetic, ambitious person.
"She is a go-getter who always finds new opportunities."
Shows feelings openly and honestly.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knows when he is upset."
Very proud, often in an obvious way.
"He was as proud as a peacock after winning the award."
A person who seems unfriendly, emotionless, or distant.
"I found her a cold fish at first, but she warmed up later."
Very strong, determined, and resilient.
"My aunt is as tough as nails and never gives up."
A very honest, kind, and dependable person.
"My grandparents are the salt of the earth."
A very kind and compassionate character.
"He has a big heart and never ignores someone in need."
Dishonest and insincere, especially by acting friendly while being cruel or unfair.
"I do not trust him because he is two-faced."
Too proud of yourself.
"He has become full of himself since getting promoted."
A deceitful or untrustworthy person.
"I trusted him, but he turned out to be a snake in the grass."
A very outgoing and sociable person.
"My cousin is a social butterfly and loves meeting new people."
Unwilling to change habits or opinions.
"My grandfather is set in his ways."
Very honest.
"You can trust her because she is as honest as the day is long."
Someone who is friendly and good with people.
"She is a people person and fits in anywhere."
Someone who handles competition, teasing, or losing well.
"He was a good sport about losing the game."
A person who is difficult to understand or influence.
"The new manager is a hard nut to crack."
An energetic and lively person.
"Our teacher is a live wire who keeps everyone alert."
Someone who is very much like one of their parents.
"Tom is a chip off the old block, just like his father."
A person who seems mature, thoughtful, or wise beyond their years.
"Even as a child, she was an old soul."
A dependable and likable person.
"You can count on Ben; he is a good egg."
A person whose bad behavior affects others.
"One bad apple can ruin the whole team."
A person who spoils other people's fun.
"Dont invite him if he is going to be a wet blanket all night."
A person who behaves unpredictably and may cause trouble.
"The new guy is a loose cannon, so no one knows what he will do next."
A person who is unexpectedly talented or successful.
"She was a dark horse in the competition and surprised everyone."
A person who acts as if they know everything.
"Nobody likes a know-it-all in class."
A person who is easily persuaded or taken advantage of.
"He is a soft touch when it comes to lending money."
A very patient person.
"The librarian was a model of patience with the noisy children."
A person with powerful energy and strong personality.
"My grandmother is a force of nature."
A heroic and helpful person, especially one who rescues others.
"He acted like a knight in shining armor when he helped her out of trouble."
A person who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or dishonest.
"He seemed charming, but he was a wolf in sheep's clothing."
Too self-important or arrogant.
"He is full of himself and loves hearing his own voice."
A very honest, simple, and good person.
"My neighbors are the salt of the earth."
A lively person who makes social events fun.
"Anna is the life of the party wherever she goes."
Very intelligent and quick-thinking.
"Even at ninety, she is as sharp as a tack."
Colours & Light
82very easy to see or understand because it is completely clear or obvious
"The answer was bright as day once we looked at the map."
A feeling of sadness.
"He was in a blue mood all afternoon."
Brightly blue or very blue in color.
"The sea was as blue as the sky on a clear morning."
Brightly golden or glowing with warm light.
"Her hair was as golden as the sun in the afternoon light."
very cheerful, lively, or intelligent
"Her daughter was bright as a button and asked a dozen questions at once."
Stand out clearly and attract attention.
"The small cafe shone like a beacon on the dark street."
Getting a lot of attention.
"The young singer was in the spotlight all week."
shiny, clean, or in very good condition
"After the polish, the old brass knob was bright as a new penny."
Very colorful and full of many different colors.
"The parade was as colorful as a rainbow."
A person who stands out for talent or success.
"The young pianist was a shining star at the competition."
very light in weight or feeling almost weightless
"The scarf felt light as a feather in my hands."
Go out and celebrate wildly.
"We decided to paint the town red after graduation."
See things in an overly optimistic way.
"She tends to see the world through rose-colored glasses."
a sign that a difficult situation is coming to an end
"After months of trouble, the promotion felt like the light at the end of the tunnel."
A small source of hope in a difficult situation.
"His kindness was a candle in the dark for the family."
A sudden moment of great skill, insight, or beauty.
"Her solution was a flash of brilliance."
the unpleasant or hidden part of something
"The documentary explored the dark side of fame."
Appearances can be misleading.
"The hotel looked luxurious, but all that glitters is not gold."
A strong line of light or a source of hope and happiness.
"The child's smile was a beam of light in the room."
Pursuing something unrealistic or impossible.
"He spent years chasing rainbows instead of building a steady career."
money, wealth, or something that seems to promise wealth
"For him, success is the color of money."
An unusual or lively person.
"My uncle is quite a colorful character at family gatherings."
very red in the face, often from embarrassment or exertion
"He came in red as a beet after running up the stairs."
Receiving public attention or fame.
"The actor was in the limelight after the award ceremony."
very red in color, especially in the face
"Her cheeks were red as a rose in the cold wind."
To guide someone or show how to proceed.
"Her advice helped light the way for the new team."
Describe a situation as very bad or hopeless.
"The report painted a bleak picture of the economy."
very pale, usually from fear, shock, or illness
"When he heard the news, he went white as a sheet."
A negative opinion or outlook.
"The manager took a dim view of the late report."
In a different way that changes understanding or opinion.
"The documentary showed the event in a new light."
pure white or very clean and unstained
"The tablecloth was white as snow after washing."
Make a place more cheerful or attractive by being present.
"Her laughter could light up the room."
To reveal your real character or intentions.
"When the pressure rose, he showed his true colors."
completely dark or very black
"The forest was black as night after sunset."
Something bright and impossible to ignore.
"His shirt was a neon sign in the crowded stadium."
To act in a creative or unconventional way.
"She likes to color outside the lines when designing posters."
very black in color
"His boots were black as coal and shone in the light."
To receive approval to begin something.
"The project got the green light from management."
Energetic and enthusiastic.
"She arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for her first day of work."
Something that distracts from the real issue.
"The accusation was a red herring that drew attention away from the main problem."
Very boring or uninteresting.
"The lecture was as dull as dishwater."
a person who is different from or disapproved of by the rest of a group or family
"He was the black sheep of the family because he left school early and traveled."
Clear and definite, with no doubt or gray area.
"The contract laid out the rules in black and white."
A bad sign or a stain on someone's record.
"Missing the deadline left a black mark on his record."
inexperienced or naive
"I was green as grass when I started my first job."
A situation that is not clearly one thing or another.
"The policy left a grey area that confused everyone."
aristocratic or noble birth
"The old mansion belonged to a family of blue blood."
A small harmless lie.
"I told a white lie to spare her feelings."
To describe something in a very positive way.
"The report painted the results in bright colors."
Feel sad.
"I always feel blue on rainy Sundays."
completely loyal and dependable
"He was true blue, and everyone trusted him with the project."
suddenly and unexpectedly
"Out of the blue, she called to say she was moving back home."
Permission to proceed.
"The council gave the project the green light."
To make something seem less happy, hopeful, or certain.
"The scandal cast a shadow over the celebration."
very rarely
"We only go out for dinner once in a blue moon."
Unnecessary bureaucracy or official rules.
"The permit process was slowed down by red tape."
Vivid, lively, or interesting.
"The market was full of color and noise."
Written clearly and plainly.
"Please put the agreement in black and white."
To become less noticeable or less important.
"After the keynote speech, the earlier concerns faded into the background."
a situation that is not clearly one thing or another
"The policy created a gray area about what was allowed."
intelligence or the brain
"You will need some gray matter to solve this puzzle."
To look or feel very proud and pleased.
"She glowed with pride when her son graduated."
The movie industry or the cinema.
"She dreamed of making it onto the silver screen."
To shine intensely or to stand out with great energy or talent.
"His ambition made him burn bright in every competition."
an excellent and valuable chance
"This job offer is a golden opportunity for her career."
A promising or successful future.
"With her talent and work ethic, she has a bright future ahead."
A worrying problem or a sign of trouble.
"The lawsuit was a dark cloud over the company."
a period of great success, happiness, or achievement
"The city entered a golden age of art and music."
A hopeful or good part of a bad situation.
"Losing the contract had a silver lining because it freed up time for better work."
a basic rule that is especially important to follow
"The golden rule is to treat others as you want to be treated."
a hopeful or positive aspect of a bad situation
"Losing the match was painful, but there was a silver lining in the team's improvement."
able to speak in a smooth and persuasive way
"The silver-tongued salesman convinced us to buy the car."
in very good health
"After the vacation, she was in the pink of health."
a future that seems promising and successful
"The new company has a rosy future if it keeps growing."
owing money or losing money
"The shop has been in the red for three months."
making a profit or not owing money
"By summer, the restaurant was finally in the black."
the most difficult or hopeless time
"In the darkest hour, a small act of kindness can matter most."
a sudden bright idea
"She had a flash of inspiration and found a better solution."
something or someone that gives hope or guidance
"The community center became a beacon of hope for many families."
to understand something or change your opinion
"At last he saw the light and agreed to help."
to make something clearer or easier to understand
"The report shed light on why the plan failed."
to become bright or cheerful, or to make something bright
"Her face lit up when she heard the good news."
Common Metaphors
61very sweet or very kind
"Her voice was as sweet as honey."
To start a conversation or reduce tension.
"He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting."
very easy
"For her, the test was as easy as pie."
very slow
"Traffic was as slow as a snail this morning."
something sudden and unexpected
"The news of her resignation was a bolt from the blue."
A very pleasant or easy situation.
"Life in a new city is not always a bed of roses."
Trouble or conflict is starting to develop.
"Tensions were rising, and it was clear that a storm was brewing."
a person or thing that is annoying
"That broken printer has been a pain in the neck all week."
to face a difficult situation bravely
"I did not want to move, but I had to bite the bullet and start over."
to work late into the night
"She burned the midnight oil to finish the report."
Pursuing the wrong idea or accusing the wrong person.
"If you think I took your keys, youre barking up the wrong tree."
something very easy
"The test was a piece of cake for her."
A common or familiar route, way, or method.
"We left the beaten path and explored a quieter road."
failing because of trying two different things at once
"By trying to please everyone, he was caught between two stools."
someone very loved and cherished
"My daughter is the apple of my eye."
Something worth thinking carefully about.
"Her comment gave me food for thought."
it is your turn to decide or act
"I have done my part, so the ball is in your court now."
to be very expensive
"That watch costs an arm and a leg."
To join a popular activity or trend.
"A lot of companies jumped on the bandwagon after the app became popular."
fake or insincere sadness
"His apology felt like crocodile tears."
to feel upset about something that cannot be changed
"There is no point crying over spilt milk now."
a person who is very lazy and inactive
"I turned into a couch potato over the weekend."
to accept the unpleasant result of one's actions
"After lying to his parents, he had to face the music."
To watch carefully and stay alert.
"Keep your eyes peeled for a blue house on the left."
To reveal a secret.
"He let the cat out of the bag before the surprise party."
to argue very badly or often
"Those two siblings fight like cats and dogs."
get to the main point quickly
"Let's cut to the chase and talk about the budget."
to make a special effort
"She always goes the extra mile for her customers."
completely dead or inactive
"The old battery was dead as a doornail."
Very similar, especially in appearance or behavior.
"Those twins are like two peas in a pod."
someone who prevents others from using something they do not want themselves
"He acted like a dog in the manger and would not let anyone else use the equipment."
A person who acts unpredictably and may cause trouble.
"The new employee is a bit of a loose cannon."
to be very unkind or unable to feel sympathy
"Anyone who could ignore that child must have a heart of stone."
very healthy and in good condition
"Even at seventy, she is fit as a fiddle."
To treat a small problem as if it were a big one.
"Stop making a mountain out of a molehill."
to say exactly the right thing
"When she described the problem, she hit the nail on the head."
someone who feels out of place
"At the formal dinner, I felt like a fish out of water."
it is raining very heavily
"We stayed inside because it was raining cats and dogs."
Very tense, exciting, or nerve-racking.
"It was a nail-biting finish to the game."
very difficult to find
"Looking for that receipt was like finding a needle in a haystack."
Away from the usual routes or places; unusual.
"We found a lovely cafe off the beaten track."
a particular area or neighborhood
"In this neck of the woods, everyone knows each other."
not paying attention to reality
"He always has his head in the clouds during class."
Very easy to do.
"The test was a piece of cake for her."
to create a complicated problem
"Bringing up that issue will open a can of worms."
someone very loved and cherished
"His granddaughter is the apple of his eye."
Raining very heavily.
"It was raining cats and dogs when we left."
a very kind and generous nature
"She has a heart of gold and always helps her neighbors."
something in the past that is no longer important
"We had a big argument last year, but that is water under the bridge now."
in the same difficult situation
"We are all in the same boat with these rising prices."
the final problem that causes anger or action
"When the car broke down again, that was the last straw."
hope that a bad situation will improve
"After months of treatment, she could finally see light at the end of the tunnel."
very rich
"You cannot expect me to buy that, I am not made of money."
something very hard to find
"Finding his old passport was a needle in a haystack."
extremely happy
"She was on cloud nine after hearing the good news."
the final small burden that causes failure or anger
"The extra meeting was the straw that broke the camel's back."
time is valuable and should not be wasted
"We need to finish quickly because time is money."
be very careful not to upset someone
"I have to walk on eggshells around him when he is stressed."
something that will never happen
"He will clean his room when pigs fly."
a pointless or hopeless search
"Searching for that missing file turned into a wild goose chase."
your health or character is shaped by your habits
"My grandmother always said, you are what you eat."
Emotions & Feelings
85very happy and content
"After hearing the good news, she was as happy as a clam."
Very sad and forlorn.
"He looked as sad as a puppy when his team lost."
A feeling or emotional state that changes quickly and dramatically.
"The week before the move felt like a roller coaster."
A relief after worry or burden.
"Finishing the project was a weight off my shoulders."
extremely angry
"He was as mad as a hornet when he saw the damage."
A strong, turbulent burst of emotion.
"Her anger came like a storm and left everyone silent."
Extremely happy.
"She was in seventh heaven when her daughter was born."
very sad or gloomy
"She felt as sad as a rainy day after the farewell."
An emotion that rises and falls in intensity.
"A wave of relief washed over him when he saw the results."
very nervous or jumpy
"He was as nervous as a cat before his presentation."
A sudden, overwhelming rush of feeling.
"When she heard the news, a flood of memories came back."
Deeply sad, especially after a loss or disappointment.
"She was broken-hearted when the trip was canceled."
very calm and peaceful
"She stayed as calm as a lake during the emergency."
A feeling of anxiety, worry, or dread.
"I had a knot in my stomach all morning before the interview."
Having no sympathy or compassion.
"Only a heart of stone could ignore that plea."
unable to see well or not noticing something obvious
"Without his glasses, he is as blind as a bat."
Feeling very successful or happy.
"After the promotion, he was flying high."
A nervous, excited feeling.
"She had butterflies in her stomach before her first speech."
A burden of sadness, guilt, or worry.
"Guilt sat on him like a heavy weight."
To flatter someone in order to get something.
"He tried to butter up his manager before asking for time off."
feeling very ill
"He was as sick as a dog after the long trip."
A mood or concern that darkens a situation.
"The argument hung like a cloud over the rest of the day."
Too proud of oneself.
"After the award, he was a little full of himself."
very poor
"They were as poor as a church mouse when they first moved to the city."
very physically strong
"My grandfather is as strong as an ox."
To be angry or resentful about past unfairness.
"He seems to have a chip on his shoulder about school."
A feeling or presence that brings warmth and happiness.
"Her smile was like sunshine on a cold morning."
To stay brave and not show emotion.
"She kept a stiff upper lip during the difficult interview."
A lack of warmth or emotion, or a very cold feeling.
"His tone was like ice when he answered the phone."
a very kind and generous nature
"Our neighbor has a heart of gold."
To tell someone about a worry or secret.
"I needed to get it off my chest and apologize."
A strong, passionate, intense emotion.
"She spoke with a fire that inspired the whole room."
a person who seems unfriendly or emotionally distant
"At first, I thought he was a cold fish."
To make someone extremely angry.
"It makes my blood boil when people lie."
A deeply painful emotional hurt.
"His betrayal felt like a knife in the heart."
a person who is very anxious
"She was a bundle of nerves before the interview."
An emotional burden that feels very heavy.
"After the loss, grief felt like a mountain on my shoulders."
a sudden rush of powerful feelings
"He felt a storm of emotions when he returned home."
To be very kind and generous.
"My aunt has a heart of gold and helps everyone."
feeling intense anger
"She was burning with anger after the unfair decision."
To become very upset or unable to cope.
"He went to pieces after the bad news arrived."
A feeling that is refreshing and uplifting.
"Her calm attitude was like a breath of fresh air."
An outer attitude that hides vulnerable feelings.
"He has a tough shell, but he is very sensitive inside."
A feeling of emptiness or deep sadness.
"After the breakup, he felt like he was falling into a dark hole."
very jealous
"He was green with envy when he saw their new car."
Showing emotions openly and without hiding them.
"She wears her heart on her sleeve, so you always know how she feels."
extremely happy
"They were over the moon about the promotion."
To motivate someone to act quickly.
"The coach's speech lit a fire under the team."
To cause severe emotional pain.
"The long goodbye tore them apart."
A person who seems unable to feel sympathy or tenderness.
"Only a heart of stone could ignore that plea."
sad or depressed
"I was down in the dumps all weekend."
Feeling unable to cope any longer.
"After weeks of stress, I was at the end of my rope."
nervous and unable to relax
"The loud noise kept everyone on edge."
A small sign that things may improve.
"The test results gave the family a ray of hope."
very cheerful and lively
"The team was in high spirits after the win."
deeply sad, especially after loss or rejection
"She was brokenhearted when the relationship ended."
A pleasant feeling of comfort, affection, or happiness.
"Her kind words gave me a warm feeling inside."
filled with fear or worry about something bad
"He was full of dread before the test results came back."
Having both positive and negative emotions at the same time.
"I had mixed feelings about leaving the city."
a feeling of emotional heaviness or sadness
"After the argument, I had a weight on my chest."
To become very angry.
"I see red whenever someone lies to me."
To cry a great deal.
"She cried her eyes out after watching the sad movie."
a nervous, fluttery feeling
"I always get butterflies in my stomach before I speak in public."
a tight feeling from strong emotion, often sadness
"I had a lump in my throat during the goodbye scene."
Laughing very loudly or uncontrollably.
"We were laughing our heads off at the comedy show."
Sudden nervousness before doing something important.
"He got cold feet the day before the wedding."
feeling extremely happy
"She was walking on air after getting engaged."
Feeling so excited that it is hard to contain it.
"The children were bursting with excitement before the trip."
a very unsympathetic or unfeeling nature
"Only a stony heart could ignore that plea."
Feeling strong fear or worry about what will happen.
"She was filled with dread as the meeting began."
ready to cry or showing tears
"He gave a tearful apology."
Feeling sad or burdened by emotion.
"They left the hospital heavy-hearted."
excited and full of energy
"The players were pumped up for the final match."
changing between affection and indifference
"He keeps blowing hot and cold about the plan."
A sudden sense that something bad is happening or will happen.
"I had a sinking feeling when I saw the missed calls."
Showing no emotion on the face.
"She sat stony-faced throughout the announcement."
feeling extremely nervous or scared
"I was sweating bullets while waiting for the announcement."
To keep emotions hidden instead of expressing them.
"It is not healthy to bottle up your feelings for too long."
looking very angry
"She walked in with a face like thunder."
a cheerful, uplifting person
"Her smile made her seem like a ray of sunshine."
deliberate indifference or rejection
"After the argument, he gave me the cold shoulder."
becoming soft or warm from someone's kindness
"She was melting with kindness when her friend helped her."
a feeling of deep discouragement or sadness
"After months of bad news, he had a broken spirit."
being very careful because someone may become upset
"We were walking on eggshells around him all morning."
in a state of extreme sadness
"After the failure, he felt in the depths of despair."
Intelligence & Wit
86Very fast in thought or response.
"He is as quick as a whip when someone asks a hard question."
very clever, especially in a sneaky way
"He was as clever as a fox and found a way around every problem."
very quick-minded and alert
"He is sharp as a whip when it comes to solving tricky problems."
A very intelligent person.
"My brother is a real brainiac when it comes to computers."
extremely quick to think or react
"She answered the question quick as a flash."
extremely keen, clever, or perceptive
"Her sharp as a knife mind spotted the flaw at once."
able to understand something very fast
"The new assistant is quick on the uptake and learned the system in a day."
able to think and respond very quickly
"He is quick-witted enough to handle any debate."
Someone who likes to show how clever they are.
"Stop being a clever clogs and just answer the question."
A sudden clear understanding or idea.
"I had a light bulb moment and finally saw the answer."
able to think clearly and quickly
"The sharp-witted reporter caught the inconsistency at once."
exceptionally intelligent or impressive
"Her solution was brilliant as a diamond and saved the whole project."
The brightest or most talented person in a group.
"In every discussion, he seemed to be the light of the room."
very wise or experienced
"My grandfather is wise as an owl and always gives good advice."
a young person who is unusually talented or intelligent
"She was a whiz kid who finished high school at fifteen."
to be sensible and intelligent
"She has a good head on her shoulders and makes smart decisions."
very clever, especially in a sly or resourceful way
"She is clever as a fox when it comes to negotiations."
Extremely intelligent and quick to notice details.
"Her mind is sharp as a razor during negotiations."
able to absorb information quickly and easily
"He has a brain like a sponge and remembers everything he reads."
to be intelligent or sensible
"If he had brains, he would have checked the facts first."
Very keen, alert, or quick-witted.
"His questions were sharp as a needle and hard to dodge."
a natural ability with numbers and calculation
"She has a head for figures and manages the accounts easily."
someone who knows a great deal about many subjects
"Ask Nora about history because she is a walking encyclopedia."
Thinking faster or more strategically than others.
"She was always two steps ahead of the competition."
To learn and absorb information very quickly.
"Children often have a head like a sponge for languages."
a natural ability to make smart business decisions
"He had a head for business and turned the small shop into a chain."
a mind that remembers things very well and grasps details quickly
"With a mind like a steel trap, he never forgets a name or date."
someone seems not very intelligent or aware
"He kept staring blankly, as if the lights were on but nobody was home."
To be very unintelligent or unable to think clearly.
"If you leave the keys in the car again, people will say you have a brain the size of a pea."
a mind that processes information quickly and accurately
"She has a mind like a computer and can juggle several ideas at once."
not fully sensible or intelligent
"Some people think he is a few cards short of a full deck."
a person who learns new things very fast
"He's a quick study, so he picked up the job right away."
Not very smart or perceptive.
"She is not the brightest bulb in the box, but she works hard."
Very inventive or clever, often in a practical way.
"He is full of bright ideas whenever the team is stuck."
a person who is extremely smart; often used in the negative
"You do not have to be a rocket scientist to see that this plan will fail."
someone who learns skills or ideas quickly
"She is a fast learner and needed only one demonstration."
practical intelligence and sound judgment
"He has a good head on his shoulders and makes sensible choices."
someone highly intelligent and influential in thought
"The panel included several intellectual heavyweights."
Slightly crazy or not very smart.
"He seems one card short of a full deck, but he is harmless."
very imaginative or intellectually active
"The teacher has a head full of ideas for making lessons fun."
A person or source with a great deal of knowledge.
"My grandfather is a font of knowledge about old movies."
a sharp, perceptive intellect
"She has a keen mind and notices details others miss."
The ability to speak in a clever, persuasive, and attractive way.
"She has a silver tongue and can talk anyone into a deal."
knowledgeable from study and reading
"He is book smart, but he still needs more real world experience."
an intelligent and quick-thinking mind
"His sharp mind made him a natural strategist."
wise about practical, everyday life and danger
"She is street smart and knows how to handle tough situations."
a clever or lively intelligent person
"The teacher said he was a bright spark in class."
Showing unusual maturity or intelligence for one's age.
"At sixteen, he was wise beyond his years."
very intelligent
"Everyone in class knows that Maya is brainy and answers the hardest questions."
A sudden clever idea.
"I had a brainwave and realized how to finish the project early."
very clever and crafty
"The old negotiator was brainy as a fox and never gave away too much."
A sudden brilliant idea or act of insight.
"Her solution seemed like a flash of genius."
a very intellectual person, often in a mildly teasing way
"The professor is an egghead, but he explains things clearly."
intelligence is more useful than physical strength
"In this game, it is brains over brawn."
The person who is most intelligent or does the planning.
"Everyone knows she is the brains of the operation."
to think carefully
"Use your noodle and figure out a better way to do it."
to think creatively and in new ways
"We need to think outside the box if we want a better solution."
A clever and capable person.
"Do not underestimate him; he is a smart cookie."
to start thinking hard about something
"We need to put on our thinking caps and solve this by tomorrow."
to think and respond quickly and effectively
"A good speaker has to think on his feet when the crowd asks tough questions."
to stay alert and think clearly in a difficult situation
"She kept her wits about her during the emergency and called for help."
to remember things very well
"She has a mind like a steel trap and never forgets a name."
A person who seems very wise and sensible.
"The old librarian was a wise owl who gave perfect advice."
to forget things very easily
"I forgot my keys again; I have a mind like a sieve."
Used for someone who does not understand or respond intelligently.
"Explaining the instructions to him was like talking to a brick wall."
to be able to make clever, funny remarks fast
"He has a quick wit and always comes up with a perfect reply."
a group of very smart advisers
"The mayor consulted a brain trust before making the announcement."
to be very clever and amusing in a pointed way
"Her sharp wit kept the whole dinner table laughing."
extremely skilled or clever at a particular task
"He is a wizard at fixing computers."
very quick and clever with humorous remarks
"At parties, he is witty as a court jester and never runs out of jokes."
very skilled and intelligent in a particular area
"She is a whiz at math and helps the whole class."
a very clever or capable person
"Dont underestimate her because she is one smart cookie."
a person who is extremely skilled or intelligent at something
"He's a whiz at math and finishes problems in seconds."
more advanced or more intelligent than most others in a field
"Their design team is always ahead of the curve."
an exceptionally intelligent person
"She is a genius at turning simple ideas into elegant designs."
to understand and respond rapidly
"He has a quick mind and learns new systems immediately."
someone with outstanding mental ability or clever control over a plan
"The strategist was a master mind behind the campaign's success."
a sudden understanding or clever idea
"Then it was like a light bulb going off, and he finally understood the joke."
a poor memory or a tendency to forget easily
"I forgot the appointment again because I have a brain like a sieve."
not very intelligent or perceptive
"He means well, but he is not the sharpest tool in the shed."
slightly foolish, odd, or not fully sensible
"People say he is a few cards short of a deck, but he is harmless."
very foolish or slow to understand
"He felt as dumb as a post when he realized he had missed the joke."
a sudden moment of understanding or clever insight
"I had a lightbulb moment and finally saw how the puzzle fit together."
to understand the hidden meaning of something
"You have to read between the lines to understand what she really means."
to understand how something works
"After a week on the job, he really knows the ropes."
to be good at understanding numbers and calculations
"She has a head for figures and handles the accounts with ease."
Life & Death Metaphors
77Life is compared to a long road full of movement and change.
"She treated life as a highway and kept moving forward no matter what happened."
Life is understood as a path with stages, changes, and destinations.
"After a hard year, she said life is a journey and every setback is part of the road."
Life is compared to a strategic contest where every move matters.
"In business, he treats life like a game of chess and thinks several steps ahead."
Life is full of sudden highs and lows.
"Starting a business showed him that life is a roller coaster of stress and excitement."
Life requires careful management of competing demands.
"For her, life is a balancing act between work, family, and rest."
Life is compared to something easily broken or lost.
"After the accident, they were reminded that life is a fragile thing."
Life is extremely valuable and should not be taken for granted.
"The accident reminded them that life is precious."
Life is a constant struggle with challenges and conflicts.
"For many families, life is a battlefield when money is tight and stress is high."
Life is compared to a repeating cycle of beginnings and endings.
"In her view, life is a circle, and what we give returns to us."
Life is seen as a competition to keep moving ahead.
"He treated life as a race and never stopped chasing the next goal."
Life passes quickly and should be used wisely.
"He quit the job he hated because life is short."
Life is compared to something precious and worth protecting.
"After her illness, she understood that life is a treasure."
Life is fragile and easily ended.
"During the crisis, she felt life was a candle in the wind."
Life is like a performance with different roles and acts.
"She believes life is a stage, and each new job is a new role to play."
Life is compared to a box of surprises, both good and bad.
"He described life as a gift box you never know how to open."
Death is personified as a figure that comes to take life away.
"In old stories, death is the grim reaper who visits every person."
Life is delicate and can be broken easily.
"In the hospital, they were reminded that life is a fragile thread."
Life is imagined as a story with chapters and lessons.
"He closed one chapter and said life is a book full of surprises."
Life can feel unreal, brief, or fleeting.
"On the beach at sunset, everything felt so peaceful that life seemed like a dream."
Death is compared to the closing curtain at the end of a performance.
"When the actor died, the newspaper called it the final curtain on a remarkable career."
Life is difficult and requires constant effort.
"For many families, life is an uphill battle from the start."
Death is compared to a transition from one state to another.
"The ceremony described death as a passage into rest and memory."
Life is something valuable that is given and should be appreciated.
"After his recovery, he said life is a gift he would never take for granted again."
Life is a series of steps or levels to climb.
"He treated life as a ladder and kept working toward the next rung."
Life is viewed as something fortunate and cherished.
"To her, every healthy day was proof that life is a blessing."
Life is a place of learning through experience.
"He believes life is a school and every mistake is a lesson."
Death is compared to an extended sleep that ends earthly life.
"The old hymn speaks of death as a long sleep in peace."
Life is fragile and easily consumed or extinguished.
"The poem reminded readers that life is a candle burning in the wind."
Life is sacred and given by a higher power.
"Her grandmother always said life is a gift from God."
Death is compared to an entrance into endless existence.
"For believers, death is a doorway to eternity rather than an end."
Life is a brief, bright, and delicate source of energy.
"In the memorial speech, the speaker said life is a flame that can fade too soon."
Death is compared to a thin covering that separates two worlds.
"The story says death is a veil between the living and the dead."
Life passes very quickly.
"He took more photos after his son's birth because life is fleeting."
Life moves forward continuously and cannot be held still.
"He accepted change because life is a river that never flows backward."
Death is compared to a natural and inevitable period in the cycle of life.
"She wrote that death is a season that comes to every life."
Life can be easily damaged or lost.
"The news made them realize how fragile life is."
Death is the final point after which life continues no further.
"To him, death is the end, so he wants to make the most of now."
Life is compared to time that has been given only temporarily.
"After surviving the storm, he felt he was living on borrowed time."
Life grows through care, patience, and cultivation.
"She treated life like a garden and invested time in the people she loved."
Life is compared to a thin thread that can be fragile and easily broken.
"The doctor said her life was a thread, but it was still holding."
Death is the last part of a life story.
"She wrote about his passing as the final chapter of a remarkable life."
Life requires steady judgment between different needs and pressures.
"For him, life is a balance between work, family, and rest."
Death is the end of pain or burden.
"After years of illness, he saw death as a release."
Life is compared to a flame that can be extinguished by outside forces.
"In the poem, human life is a flame in the wind, beautiful but vulnerable."
Life is a long effort that requires endurance rather than speed.
"She reminded the team that life is a marathon, not a sprint."
Life is compared to a brief instant that passes quickly.
"He looked at the sunset and felt that life is a fleeting moment."
Death is near and about to arrive.
"The old man joked that death was knocking at the door."
Life is a difficult upward struggle toward a goal.
"Getting through college felt like life is a climb with a few steep cliffs."
Life is compared to light that is temporarily given and will not last forever.
"The speaker said life is a borrowed light, so we should use it wisely."
Life is confusing, complex, and full of twists.
"When he moved to a new city, life felt like a maze of choices and unknowns."
Death affects everyone the same way, regardless of status.
"The war showed that death is the great equalizer."
Death is viewed as peaceful rest after hardship.
"She spoke of her mother's death as a rest after a long struggle."
Life is made up of pieces that must be understood and fitted together.
"For years, she felt life was a puzzle she was still trying to solve."
Life involves movement, rhythm, and adjusting to others.
"They believed life is a dance that works best when you stop forcing every step."
Something is extremely important and urgent.
"For the surgeon, the decision was a life and death matter."
Life can be unpredictable and based on chance.
"In that industry, success often feels like life is a coin toss."
Death is very near or expected soon.
"When the illness returned, they felt death was on the doorstep."
Death is described as a peaceful state of rest.
"The old poem speaks of death as a sleep from which one does not wake."
A person or thing is expected to last only a little longer.
"After the diagnosis, he felt he was living on borrowed time."
Death is seen as a passage to another place or state.
"The ceremony reflected the belief that death is a journey into the unknown."
Death is imagined as an entry into another existence.
"Many cultures speak of death as a doorway to a different world."
Death is the final stop in a life path.
"For him, retirement did not feel final, but death is the end of the road."
Death marks the closing of a life story.
"The memoir treated his passing as a final chapter in a remarkable life."
Death brings sadness, fear, or gloom.
"When the diagnosis came, death seemed like a dark cloud over the family."
Death is a constant, quiet presence near life.
"As he grew older, he felt death was a shadow following everyone."
Death is seen as something that takes away life and loved ones.
"The loss made her feel that death is a thief that steals too soon."
Death is described as permanent rest with no return.
"The speaker used the phrase death is a sleep from which we never wake to comfort the grieving."
Death is portrayed as an approaching visitor that cannot be refused.
"When illness spread through the village, people feared that death was coming knocking."
Life is extremely fragile and close to ending.
"After the accident, the patient was in the hospital and life hung by a thread."
Someone is very close to dying.
"He was so sick that the doctors said he was at death's door."
Something is extremely urgent and important.
"To the trapped hikers, finding water was a matter of life and death."
The very end of life or final moment.
"She held his hand until his last breath."
The end of life is compared to the closing of a performance.
"After a long illness, the actor took his final curtain with quiet dignity."
To die and pass into another state of being.
"They said the elder had crossed over to the other side peacefully in his sleep."
To die and face God or a higher power.
"The old saying goes that everyone must one day meet their maker."
A wish for the dead to be at peace.
"We wrote rest in peace on the card and left flowers by the grave."
To die, said in a gentle and respectful way.
"Her grandfather passed away last winter after a long life."
Love & Heart Metaphors
89Used to describe how love can make a person overlook faults or obvious problems.
"He was as blind as love and refused to see the warning signs."
Meaning: People often believe that love and conflict allow actions that would not normally be acceptable.
"She said he had broken every rule to win her back, but he claimed all is fair in love and war."
two people feel closely united in love.
"After years together, it felt like two hearts beat as one."
Meaning: To show your emotions openly and without hiding them.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knows when he is hurt."
gain someone's love or affection.
"He won her heart with patience and kindness."
Love can make people ignore flaws or judge someone less critically.
"They say love is blind, because she never noticed his bad habits."
cause deep emotional pain, especially in love.
"When he left without a word, it broke her heart."
A feeling of deep sadness after love ends or someone is lost.
"After the breakup, he felt like he had a broken heart."
Meaning: To make someone fall deeply in love or feel strong affection.
"The way she laughed stole his heart almost immediately."
To give something all of ones energy, emotion, and commitment.
"She put her heart and soul into the relationship."
Meaning: To let your feelings guide your decisions.
"Even though it was risky, he decided to follow his heart."
with very deep sincerity.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
feel romantic attraction for someone.
"He has a crush on the new girl in class."
A promise that what is said is true and sincere.
"Cross my heart, I will call you tonight."
Meaning: A change in feelings or opinion, especially from negative to positive.
"She had a change of heart and agreed to come to the wedding."
A request for someone to be kinder or more sympathetic.
"Have a heart and give him another chance."
in a very intense state of love.
"She was madly in love and could think of nothing else."
Meaning: To feel sudden excitement, surprise, fear, or attraction.
"My heart skipped a beat when I saw her name on the screen."
To show feelings openly and honestly.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve, so everyone knows when he is in love."
Meaning: To suddenly feel disappointment, worry, or sadness.
"My heart sank when I heard the meeting had been canceled."
a couple who are obviously in love.
"Those two lovebirds are always holding hands."
want something very much.
"He set his heart on marrying her one day."
To do what ones feelings or inner wishes suggest.
"She decided to follow her heart and marry him."
Meaning: A feeling of sadness or sorrow.
"He left the hospital with a heavy heart."
feel overwhelmed by love or attraction.
"He goes weak at the knees whenever she smiles at him."
Meaning: A very fragile or easily hurt emotional nature.
"She seemed confident, but underneath she had a heart of glass."
To be deeply affected by words, advice, or criticism.
"He took her goodbye to heart and felt hurt for days."
full of strong passion or love.
"When she sang, his heart was on fire."
Deeply cared about or personally important.
"Helping children is a cause close to her heart."
Meaning: Deeply and enthusiastically in love.
"They were head over heels in love by the end of the summer."
arouse strong romantic feelings.
"Her courage ignited his heart."
The most important central point.
"The heart of the matter is that they no longer trust each other."
Meaning: To begin to love or be strongly attracted to someone.
"He did not expect to fall for her so quickly."
the feeling of love as strong burning passion.
"They worked hard to keep the flame of love alive."
Meaning: To feel a strong but often brief romantic attraction.
"She had a crush on her lab partner all semester."
With complete sincerity and deep feeling.
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Meaning: To be the person or thing that brings another person great happiness.
"Her granddaughter is the light of her life."
a kind and affectionate nature.
"He may seem quiet, but he has a warm heart."
To feel sudden excitement, surprise, or fear.
"My heart skipped a beat when he walked into the room."
To feel very nervous or frightened.
"She had her heart in her mouth before the first kiss."
Meaning: To make someone feel comfort, happiness, or affection.
"It warmed his heart to see the whole family together."
a gentle and easily moved nature.
"She has a tender heart and cries at sad movies."
Meaning: To strongly move someone's emotions, especially by causing sympathy or tenderness.
"The story of the rescued puppy tugged at everyone's heartstrings."
the thing one wants most.
"Traveling the world was his heart's desire."
To feel sudden disappointment or dread.
"My heart sank when I saw his sad face."
To change ones feelings or decision, especially about love or commitment.
"He had a change of heart and asked her to stay."
Meaning: Someone who shows great sympathy and concern for others, sometimes used critically.
"Some called her a bleeding heart, but she never stopped helping people."
romantic relationships can be full of conflict and struggle.
"After three breakups, she decided love is a battlefield."
To make someone fall in love with you.
"She stole his heart the moment she smiled."
Meaning: To be deeply affected by something, often criticism or advice.
"He took her warning to heart and changed his behavior."
I felt sudden joy or excitement.
"My heart leapt when he said he missed me."
someone is deeply loved by me.
"No matter where I go, she holds my heart."
Meaning: To become emotionally honest or willing to trust.
"It took time for him to open his heart after the divorce."
To earn someones love or affection.
"He won her heart with kindness and patience."
the most important part of the issue.
"Let's get to the heart of the matter and talk honestly."
Meaning: To stop yourself from feeling or trusting again after emotional pain.
"After being hurt twice, she tried to close her heart."
Strongly taken over by romantic feelings.
"He was captured by love and could think of nothing else."
get married.
"The couple decided to tie the knot next spring."
To fall in love very deeply and quickly.
"They fell head over heels in love during the summer."
Meaning: To fall in love with someone or give them your deepest affection.
"She gave him her heart, and he promised to protect it."
Completely and intensely in love.
"He was head over heels for her after their first date."
Meaning: To cause severe emotional pain, especially by ending love or rejecting someone.
"It broke her heart when he moved away."
a former romantic partner.
"He ran into an old flame at the concert."
love can overcome obstacles.
"They were separated by distance, but love will find a way."
Meaning: A passionate, intense, or enthusiastic nature.
"He had a heart of fire and never gave up on his dreams."
A person who is deeply loved and treasured.
"Their daughter is the apple of their eye."
Strongly and obviously in love with someone.
"He was clearly smitten with her from the start."
Meaning: A lack of warmth, sympathy, or tenderness.
"His cruel words made him seem like he had a cold heart."
Meaning: To earn someone's love, trust, or affection.
"He won her heart with patience and kindness."
Work done mainly because one cares deeply about it.
"Planning the wedding became a labor of love."
Meaning: To remember and care for someone lovingly, even when apart.
"Even after she moved abroad, he kept her in his heart."
Immediate romantic attraction upon first meeting.
"For them, it was love at first sight."
Meaning: To be very generous, compassionate, and forgiving.
"She has a big heart and always helps neighbors in need."
People cannot always control whom they love.
"I know he is not perfect, but the heart wants what it wants."
Meaning: To speak very openly about your feelings or problems.
"He poured his heart out to his best friend after the loss."
A couple that seems perfectly suited for each other.
"Everyone thought they were a match made in heaven."
A very close, loving bond between two people.
"They moved through life like two hearts beating as one."
Meaning: To show your emotions openly and without hiding them.
"She wears her heart on her sleeve, so it is easy to tell when she is hurt."
A special emotional importance or lasting affection.
"That little town still has a place in my heart."
Meaning: To recover emotionally after heartbreak or loss.
"Time, friends, and patience helped mend her broken heart."
Meaning: To have an honest and intimate conversation about feelings or problems.
"They had a heart-to-heart and finally cleared up the misunderstanding."
Strong feelings of tenderness, sympathy, or love.
"The story pulled at her heartstrings."
To strongly stir feelings of pity or emotion.
"The movie plucks at your heartstrings from the start."
To fall in love deeply with someone.
"He gave his heart to her before he knew it."
The most warm, loving, and central part of a family life.
"The kitchen was the heart of the home."
A kind, affectionate, and caring nature.
"His loving heart made him a wonderful partner."
Deep emotional pain caused by love or loss.
"The breakup left her with years of heartache."
Extremely sad because of love or loss.
"He was heartbroken when she moved away."
Romantic relationships grow and change over time.
"They learned that love is a journey, not a destination."
Nature & Elements
50completely free and unconfined
"After graduation, she felt as free as a bird."
Very soft, mild, or gentle.
"Her touch was as gentle as a breeze."
Completely silent.
"The forest was as quiet as the grave after sunset."
constantly active and industrious
"The campers were as busy as a beaver before the storm."
Completely flat.
"The road was as flat as a pancake for miles."
Very hard or firm.
"The ground had frozen as hard as rock overnight."
Very dark or black.
"The sky was as black as night before the rain started."
a quiet period before trouble or activity
"The still air felt like the calm before the storm."
Very strong and sturdy.
"My grandfather is as strong as an oak."
Very fast.
"The runner moved as swift as the wind across the field."
only a small visible part of something much larger
"That first leak was just the tip of the iceberg."
Something sudden and fast, often unexpected.
"The news struck us like a bolt of lightning."
A very small amount compared with what is needed.
"Our donation was only a drop in the ocean, but it helped a little."
Very sharp or keen.
"The air felt as sharp as a knife on the peak."
the deepest or most central part of a forest
"We camped in the heart of the forest."
A sudden and overwhelming rush of feelings.
"When she heard the song, a flood of emotions came over her."
A lot of anger or worry about something small.
"Their argument turned out to be a storm in a teacup."
inner passion or energy
"Her love for the mountains was the fire within her."
a period of conflict or trouble
"Their friendship went through stormy weather."
A strong and forceful public objection.
"The new rules caused a storm of protest."
Feeling unwell.
"She stayed inside because she was feeling under the weather."
Every bad situation has some good part.
"We missed the picnic, but every cloud has a silver lining."
a process that grows rapidly as it continues
"One small rumor caused a snowball effect in town."
To change between enthusiasm and indifference.
"The weather can blow hot and cold in early spring."
To take advantage of good conditions while they last.
"We should make hay while the sun shines and finish the garden today."
No matter what happens.
"We walk by the river every morning, come rain or shine."
something briefly impressive but not lasting
"That early bloom was a flash in the pan."
in the center of a difficult or dangerous situation
"The lighthouse stood in the eye of the storm."
To begin and start to develop.
"The idea began to take root in the community."
In a state of suspicion, trouble, or unhappiness.
"After the argument, he left the meeting under a cloud."
not affecting someone at all
"His criticism was like water off a duck's back."
To survive a difficult period.
"The old tree weathered the storm without losing its roots."
To expand into new activities or areas.
"The small shop decided to branch out into herbal teas."
very soft
"The path was lined with grass as soft as moss."
To show signs that trouble is coming.
"Dark storm clouds gathered over the valley by evening."
To make a wrong choice or accuse the wrong person.
"If you blame the gardener, you are barking up the wrong tree."
To settle in one place for a long time.
"After years of travel, they wanted to put down roots by the sea."
People often think other situations are better than their own.
"He wanted to quit his job, but he knew the grass is always greener on the other side."
inexperienced or very young
"The new gardener was as green as grass."
completely dry
"By noon, the field was as dry as a bone."
To endure a difficult time until it passes.
"The family managed to ride out the storm and rebuild their home."
To reveal a secret.
"I did not mean to spill the beans about the surprise party."
completely motionless and silent
"The lake was as still as death before sunrise."
very old
"That oak tree is as old as the hills."
completely pure or innocent
"The white petals looked as pure as snow."
very firm and unwilling to move or change
"The boulder sat as stubborn as a rock in the path."
very dark
"The cave was as dark as night."
very bright or vivid
"Her idea shone as bright as the sun."
without a fixed home or place; constantly moving
"The traveler lived like a rolling stone from town to town."
the natural world seen as a living force
"Mother nature was generous that spring."
Size & Quantity
87Very thin or skinny.
"By the end of the trip, he was as thin as a rake."
Very large in size.
"The old oak tree in the yard is as big as an elephant."
Very large in size.
"That old dog is as big as a house."
An extremely large amount of paperwork.
"The new job came with a mountain of paperwork."
A larger size or amount is considered more desirable.
"He always thinks bigger is better when it comes to TVs."
Very tiny in size.
"His handwriting was so neat it looked as small as a pea on the page."
A very large amount of tears or sadness.
"She cried an ocean of tears after the movie."
Very small in size.
"The kitten was small as a mouse."
Very light in weight.
"After the diet, the suitcase felt as light as a feather."
A very large amount of something.
"We have a ton of things to do before the party."
A larger number of people makes something better or more enjoyable.
"Bring your friends along, the more the merrier."
Very heavy in weight.
"After the hike, my boots felt as heavy as lead."
Extremely rare or exceptional.
"She is one in a million as a friend."
Extremely thin.
"The fence was as thin as a rail and needed replacing."
A large quantity of something.
"They took masses of photos during the trip."
A very large crowd of people.
"From the stage, I could see a sea of faces."
Very fat or overweight.
"The spoiled cat was as fat as a pig."
A large amount or number of things.
"I still have a pile of emails to answer."
Very tall.
"My cousin is as tall as a giraffe now."
Clearly and unmistakably present.
"There he was, large as life, standing at the door."
A neatly arranged pile or a large number of things.
"He brought a stack of books to class."
Very short in height.
"The little table was as short as a midget."
Fully listening and eager to hear more.
"Tell me what happened, I am all ears."
A large, untidy pile or quantity.
"There was a heap of laundry on the floor."
A group or a large number of things.
"I bought a bunch of flowers for her birthday."
A very small amount compared with what is needed.
"The donation was just a drop in the bucket."
Crowded very tightly together.
"The train was packed like sardines this morning."
A very large amount of fun or enjoyment.
"We had a ton of fun at the party."
Very common and easy to find.
"Those kinds of cheap souvenirs are a dime a dozen."
A large group of people.
"A crowd of tourists gathered around the statue."
A large group of animals, or a large number of people acting together.
"We saw a herd of cows in the field."
Very busy and active.
"She was as busy as a bee before the holiday party."
A very large amount of useful information.
"The article gave me a wealth of information."
A group of birds or sheep.
"A flock of birds flew over the lake."
Equally large or equal in effect, so there is no real difference.
"Whether we go now or later, it is as broad as it is long."
Extremely crowded.
"The subway car was as crowded as a sardine can."
A large, active group of insects or people.
"A swarm of bees surrounded the tree."
A small number or amount, or someone difficult to control.
"Only a handful of seats were left."
Completely full.
"After dinner, I felt as full as a tick."
Completely empty.
"The refrigerator was as empty as a drum after the weekend."
Many times.
"I have told him that a dozen times."
A large and impressive number of people or things.
"The gala attracted a galaxy of stars."
Very long.
"Her speech felt as long as a mile."
A very large amount of work.
"I came back from vacation to a mountain of work."
An extremely large number.
"I have a million and one things to do today."
A very large crowd of people.
"A sea of people filled the stadium."
Very wide.
"The grin on his face was as wide as a barn door."
A very large amount of something.
"We have loads of time before the movie starts."
A great amount of tears or emotion.
"She burst into a flood of tears when she heard the news."
Very deep, or having a very deep feeling.
"The well is as deep as the ocean."
A very large amount of something.
"There were tons of people at the festival."
Only a small number of people.
"A handful of people showed up to the early meeting."
Very tall.
"My nephew is already as tall as a tree."
A very large number or amount spread out over an area.
"The field was a sea of yellow flowers."
Filled completely to the top.
"Her suitcase was full to the brim."
Perfectly round or very round.
"The orange was as round as a ball."
A large amount of trouble.
"Breaking that rule could land you in a heap of trouble."
Very easy to see or understand.
"The instructions were as clear as day."
A very large number of people moving together.
"A flood of people poured into the station."
A very large difference.
"A new pair of shoes made a world of difference."
Very noticeable or unmistakably present.
"He walked in, big as life, and took his seat."
Very wide or broad.
"The field was as wide as an ocean."
A large amount of trouble or difficulty.
"Skipping the repairs caused a pile of trouble later."
More impressive or extreme than ordinary.
"Her personality is larger than life."
Very narrow.
"The alley was as narrow as a needle."
Very clearly present, often said jokingly about someone or something unwelcome.
"He walked in, as large as life and twice as ugly."
Similar in size, level, or importance.
"Her little startup is not in the same league as the major brands."
Very hard.
"By morning, the ground was as hard as a rock."
Only half as large as something else.
"The new apartment is half the size of the old one."
The full amount or everything possible.
"They went with the whole nine yards for the wedding."
To make someone or something seem smaller in importance or power.
"The debate cut him down to size."
Very soft.
"This blanket is as soft as silk."
An important or powerful person.
"He is a big fish in the local business world."
Very clear or easy to see and understand.
"Her explanation was as clear as crystal."
Very bright or obvious.
"The solution was as bright as day once he pointed it out."
Something unimportant or of little value.
"Compared with the main contract, that fee is small potatoes."
Very cold or emotionally unfriendly.
"The water was as cold as ice."
Too much in amount or degree.
"Three desserts for one person is a bit much."
To judge the size, amount, or importance of something.
"She took a moment to size up the situation."
Very hot.
"The pavement was as hot as fire in the afternoon."
At the complete or largest intended size.
"The model will be built at full scale next year."
Extremely fast.
"The goalie moved as quick as lightning."
Very slow.
"The line moved as slow as molasses."
Extremely rare.
"A seat on that flight is as rare as hen's teeth."
Very close or tightly connected.
"Those two brothers are as thick as thieves."
A very large number, as many as possible.
"Invite as many as can be to the open house."
The smallest amount possible.
"Try to spend as little as possible on supplies."
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