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Paragraph 2 Opens With a Simile and Continues Its Lengthy

Almost all of us have used a simile in our daily conversations. Consciously or otherwise, this is one of the most commonly used figures of speech that has become a part of our daily vocabulary. Knowing about different similes can be beneficial, especially for aspirants of competitive examinations such as the IELTS, GRE, TOEFL, etc. To help you understand what this literary device is and how it is used, this blog brings you a comprehensive guide on the definition and examples of simile, along with the ways it can be used in a sentence.

Meaning of Simile

YouTube: Pinky Penguin

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things that have similar properties or characteristics. Similes are often confused with metaphors, which is another different figure of speech used for comparison. The easiest way to identify a simile as opposed to a metaphor is to look for the words 'like' or 'as'. Thus, the best examples of simile include 'as' or 'like' such as "as proud as a peacock".

Importance of Using a Simile

Similes are a powerful tool for making language more interesting, descriptive, and creative. Because the mind thinks in images and associations, similes can elicit stronger and more effective descriptions than adjectives or exact descriptions; they can activate linked emotions, generate new mental connections, and underline specific features. From common conversation to poetry, similes are almost required for creative expression.

100 Examples of Similes

Now that you are familiar with what simile means, we have compiled a comprehensive list of some of the popular examples of similes you must know about! Check out the following list of similes:

  1. As black as coal
    Example: His face became as black as coal after being criticized.
  1. As blind as a bat
    Example: My uncle is as blind as a bat without his spectacles.
  1. As cool as a cucumber
    Example: While all of us were panicking just before the declaration of the results, Naina was as cool as a cucumber.
Courtesy: Dribble
  1. As brave as a lion
    Example: While fighting the war, the soldier was as brave as a lion.
  1. Cunning like a fox
    Example: Don't trust his words, he is cunning like a fox.
  1. As cold as ice
    Example: The expression on her face was as cold as ice.
  1. As busy as a bee
    Example: My wife is as busy as a bee in the mornings.
Courtesy: Tenor

Like these examples of similes? Check out our blog on 50 Common Proverbs with Meaning and Examples!

  1. As clean as a whistle
    Example: The maid has done a good job, and the hall is as clean as a whistle
  1. As soft as velvet
    Example: I just love my new blanket, it is as soft as velvet!
  1. As sharp as a razor
    Example: Despite being over 75 years of age, my grandmother's mind is as sharp as a razor.
  1. As white as snow
    Example: The clothes she wore were as white as snow.
  1. As white as a ghost
    Example: Her face became as white as a ghost when she spotted the burglar in her house.
  1. As fresh as a daisy
    Example: You still look as fresh as a daisy after finishing all the work!
  1. As stiff as a board
    Example: I am sure that he is very nervous, he is standing as stiff as a board on the stage.
  1. As proud as a peacock
    Example: She is as proud as a peacock after getting selected for the lead role in the drama.
  1. As gentle as a lamb
    Example: My grandmother may seem scary to others, but she is as gentle as a lamb.
  1. As bright as a button
    Example: She seems to be as bright as a button!
  1. As strong as an ox
    Example: Although he has lost some weight, he is still as strong as an ox.
  1. As hot as hell
    Example: How can you bear to go out in this weather? It is as hot as hell!
  1. As tough as leather
    Example: My brother can help you in moving all this furniture, he is as tough as leather!
  1. As bright as the moon
    Example: Her eyes shined as bright as the moon on receiving her birthday gift.
  1. As thin as a rake
    Example: How can you eat so much and still be as thin as a rake?
  1. As wise as an owl
    Example: This problem seems tough! You can only solve this if you are as wise as an owl!

Having fun with these examples of similes, explore our exclusive blog on 50 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples!

Courtesy: Pinterest
  1. As clear as crystal
    Example: She loved visiting the lake high up in the mountains, whose water was as clear as crystal.
  1. As smooth as silk
    Example: Her voice is as smooth as silk.
  1. As stubborn as a mule
    Example: It's no use trying to change his mind, that man is as stubborn as a mule.
  1. As silent as the grave
    Example: He knew something was wrong when he found his friends as silent as the grave.
  1. As light as a feather
    Example: This shawl is made from very fine material, it's as light as a feather!
  1. As old as the hills
    Example: Her grandmother's love story was as old as the hills.
  1. As straight as an arrow
    Example: You can trust him, he is as straight as an arrow.
Courtesy: Tenor

Similes in Everyday Language

You can use similes in everyday language and that makes you look as smart as a fox! You saw what we did there? Now let's see all the similes that you can use in your everyday life.

  1. As innocent as a lamb
  2. As tough as nails
  3. As shiny as a new pin
  4. As hot as hell
  5. As white as a ghost
  6. As bright as a button
  7. As cool as a cucumber
  8. As cold as ice
  9. As light as a feather
  10. As sweet as sugar
  11. As blind as a bat
  12. As common as dirt
  13. As tall as a giraffe
  14. As hard as nails
  15. As cute as a kitten
  16. As bold as brass
  17. As happy as a clam
  18. As black as coal
  19. As American as apple pie.
  20. As big as an elephant.
  21. As black as coal.
  22. As blind as a bat.
  23. As boring as watching paint dry.
  24. As brave as a lion.
  25. As busy as a bee.
  26. As cold as ice
  27. As cool as a cucumber
  28. As cunning as a fox
  29. As dead as a doornail
  30. As deaf as a post
  31. As difficult as nailing jelly to a tree
  32. As dry as a bone
  33. As dull as dishwater
  34. As easy as ABC
  35. As old as the hills
  36. As pale as death
  37. As for fit as a fiddle
  38. As flat as a pancake
  39. As free as a bird
  40. As fresh as a daisy
  41. As gentle as a lamb
  42. As good as gold
  43. As hard as nails
  44. As heavy as lead
  45. As helpless as a baby
  46. As honest as the day is long
  47. As hot as blue blazes
  48. As hungry as a bear
  49. As cheap as dirt.
  50. As clean as a whistle.
  51. As clear as mud.
  52. As clear as crystal.

Similes in Classic Literature

Literature has some of the best usages of similes. From Virginia Woolf to Shakespeare, every famous writer and poet has used similes to accessorize their literature. Let's check out some of the best examples of similes in Classic Literature:

  1. "Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn."- Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
GIF romeo and juliet - animated GIF on GIFER
Credit: Gifer
  1. f reach." — Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott
  2. "Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail."- A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
  3. "The water made a sound like kittens lapping." — The Yearling, by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
  4. "Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
  5. Or fester like a sore— And then run?"— Harlem by Langston Hughes

Similes in Song Lyrics

Many song lyrics have used similes in their lyrics to enhance them. Let's check them out:

Hit Me Like A Ray Of Sun .... | Beyonce quotes, Beyonce, Halo beyonce
Credit: Pinterest
  1. "Hit me like a ray of sun, Burning through my darkest night"- Halo by Beyonce
  2. "Questions of science, science, and progress
  3. Do not speak as loud as my heart"- The Scientist by Coldplay
  4. "Shine bright like a diamond
  5. Find light in the beautiful sea
  6. I choose to be happy"- Diamonds by Rihanna
  7. "If all it's gonna cause is pain
  8. Truth and my lies right now are falling like the rain
  9. So let the river run"- River by Eminem
  10. "I see both sides like Chanel
  11. See on both sides like Chanel"- Chanel by Frank Ocean
  12. " Body Like a Back Road" By Sam Hunt

Similes in Advertising Slogans

Similes have often been utilized in popular advertisements and memorable brand slogans. Take a look at a couple of old favorites.

Credits: Tenor
  1. State Farm Insurance – "Like a good neighbor"
  2. Doritos Snack Chips – "Taste like awesome feels"
  3. Chevrolet Trucks – "Like a rock"
  4. Honda Cars – "The Honda's ride is as smooth as a gazelle in the Sahara. Its comfort is like a hug from Nana."
  5. Almonds Joy/Mounds Candy – "Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don't."

The questions where one has to identify whether the given sentence is a simile or a metaphor are the trickiest. Thus, while understanding or going through the examples of simile, it is important to understand the difference between simile and metaphor. Latest understand the difference between the two-

Venue comparison is made using connecting words such as 'like' or 'as' the sentence refers to simile. Whereas, whenever a direct relationship is established between two things, the sentence is a metaphor in nature.

For Example:

  • He seemed bright like the sun when I met him last.
  • He is the son and the sun of the family.

The first sentence depicts the use of simile whereas the second one is a metaphor.

Metaphors are considered to be stronger because they directly cite a comparison between things rather than just indicating that they are similar. On the other hand, similes are majorly used for comparison where the readers are assisted to understand a subtle connection between things.

Similes in Writing

Similes are a terrific way to spice up regular writing by conjuring up a vivid image with only a few words. Consider the following sentences:

  • Adam walked across the room with purpose.
  • Adam moved across the room like a warship sailing into battle.

The first sentence is fairly uninteresting. The comparison in the second phase, on the other hand, allows the reader to imagine an old-fashioned vessel heading to battle: majestic, resolute, proud, and maybe dangerous. It portrays Adam as a commanding figure and suggests that once he gets to the other side of the room, he'll be plotting something major.

Similes and Exaggeration

Hyperbole, or exaggeration, is frequently used in similes. Example:

  • You are as sweet as honey.
  • You dance like an angel

Similes concentrate on a single component of a comparison, preventing hyperbolic comments from sounding exaggerated. Consider the following sentences:

  • Lora is a mean snake.
  • Lora is as mean as a snake.

The first version is a metaphor, but it's so straightforward that it comes across as sloppy or infantile. The second version, a simile, stresses the trait Lora has in common with a snake, namely, meanness. Figurative language is a great approach to spice up your writing by adding intrigue and images. So, the next time you're having trouble coming up with the proper words for a description, consider using a simile that's as flawless as a diamond.

Examples of Similes for Kids

YouTube: Homeschool Pop
  1. As boring as watching paint dry
  2. As busy as a bee
  3. As clean as a whistle
  4. As cool as a cucumber
  5. As cunning as a fox
  6. As dead as a doornail
  7. As deaf as a post
  8. As difficult as nailing jelly to a tree
  9. As dry as a bone
  10. As dull as dishwater
  11. As easy as ABC
  12. As sick as a dog
  13. As silent as the grave
  14. As slippery as an eel
  15. As slow as molasses
  16. As smooth as a baby's bottom
  17. As snug as a bug in a rug
  18. As solid as the ground we stand on
  19. As sour as vinegar
  20. As stiff as a board
  21. As straight as an arrow
  22. The breeze was gentle like a butterfly.
  23. She danced lightly, like a fluttering butterfly.
  24. You are as pale as a white sheet.
  25. Your hands are as cold as the Arctic.
  26. His mind is like an encyclopedia.
  27. It was as light as a penny.
  28. He soared like an eagle.
  29. It was damp like dew in the morning.
  30. He was as lost as a sheep.
  31. She worked as hard as an ant gathering his harvest.
  32. She was as prickly as a cactus.
  33. The puppy wagged his tail like a toddler who just got a lollipop.
  34. The children were as happy as a hog with fresh mud.
  35. The burglar looked as sketchy as jelly with green fuzz on top.
  36. As American as apple pie
  37. As black as coal
  38. Her teeth were as white as pearls.
  39. She moved as gracefully as a prima ballerina.
  40. They ran around, going this way and that, like leaves on a blustery day.
Credits: Homeschool Pop

Examples of Similes Using "As"

The below-mentioned examples of simile all follow the "as___as" format:

  1. She was as sly as a fox
  2. That knife is as sharp as a razor
  3. He's as sick as a dog
  4. It was as big as an elephant
  5. He is as bright as a button
  6. She's as cold as ice
  7. It's as tough as an old boot
  8. He's as good as gold
  9. It's as dry as a bone out there
  10. The car is as clean as a whistle

Examples of Similes Using "Like"

Written under are the examples of similes using the "__like__" format:

  1. She eats like a pig
  2. She ran like lightning
  3. He looks like a fish out of water
  4. She slept like a log
  5. It was soft like velvet
  6. Life is like a box of chocolates
  7. It leaked like a sieve
  8. It cuts like butter
  9. The airplane soared like an eagle
  10. The shark had teeth like razors

Read more about the Present Indefinite Tense: Meaning, Examples & Exercises

Simile Quiz

  1. Jesse is as sly as a

A. snake

B. fly

C. fox

D. elephant

  1. My grandmother is as sweet as

A. vinegar

B. potatoes

C. a carrot

D. strawberry jam

  1. That sidewalk is as slippery as

A. a pancake

B. glass

C. sand

D. bark

  1. When school let out for the summer, I felt as free as a

A. bird

B. prisoner

C. dollar

D. bicycle

  1. That fence is as solid as

A. a pillow

B. a rock

C. fog

D. an open window

  1. Amber can run as fast as

A. the wind

B. an elephant

C. a turtle

D. a snowstorm

  1. The road went off into the distance as straight as

A. a bowling ball

B. a cyclone

C. a figure-eight

D. an arrow

  1. My mouth was as dry as

A. an ice cube

B. a shower

C. dust

D. a river

  1. The night was as black as

A. snow

B. a sunset

C. coal

D. a flower

  1. My grandfather's mind is still as sharp as

A. an eraser

B. a dull knife

C. a tack

D. a pillow

Answer

  1. C
  2. D
  3. B
  4. A
  5. B
  6. D
  7. D
  8. C
  9. C
  10. C

Simile QuizPDF

Simile Worksheets

Both a metaphor and a simile compare two different things. The key distinction between the two is that a metaphor compares two things directly, but a simile uses the terms "like" or "as."

Simile: She is as kind as an angel.

Metaphor: She is an angel.

Simile: Love is like a battlefield.

Metaphor: Love is a battlefield.

How Do We Use Similes in Language?

As we have previously learned, similes are comparison phrases that highlight similarities between two items and draw comparisons between them, always utilizing the terms "like" or "as." We now want to know how to employ similes in writing, particularly in creative genres, and for what purposes they are valuable.

The main goal of employing similes in our writing is to enhance and produce striking images. Teachers and parents may teach students how to utilize similes using a variety of simple and efficient methods.

Here are some pointers for using similes in the classroom:

  • Elementary pupils may learn about similes through poetry. This is an effective method to get people to utilize similes in their work.
  • Show a scene from a narrative to your pupils. Ask them to point out a characteristic in the image that they can describe by making a comparison. If a youngster selects a picture of the moon, for instance, they can use similes such, as "The moon was like a face, currency, or plate."
  • Use an exercise like our Sorting Worksheet or Mystery Simile Animals for lessons on these literary forms to practice differentiating similes from metaphors.
  • You might find it interesting to study the at least 1300-year-old Kenning figurative language in poetry or to look at some well-known simile poems. Shakespeare's Sonnets, Robert Burns' A Red, Red Rose, and Emily Dickinson's "Hope" is a creature with feathers all include several similes and metaphors.

Hope you found this blog on the definition and examples of simile interesting and useful. Preparing for competitive exams like TOEFL or IELTS? Give a boost to your preparation by joining Leverage Live classes, where you can access live interactive sessions by top experts along with the best study material and exclusive doubt clearance sessions that will enable you to ace your exam and get your dream score. Register for a demo session with us today!

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