Similes
Although these similes use the as ….as structure of the comparative they are actually a way of saying ‘extremely’.
Tom is as handsome as Bill is a comparison.
Tom is as ugly as sin is a simile = it means very ugly indeed.
Be careful if and when you use the uncomplimentary ones!
1. [Match]
Can you select the correct ending for these similes?
(NB
It goes without saying = it is obvious – you need to take care with phrases relating to people. Many of these you would only use in informal conversation and not in the company of the person mentioned; certainly not directly to the person described. You would, for instance never say to an individual “You’re as deaf as a post or as blind as a bat!’
With the complimentary ones, there is obviously less of a problem!
NB
as bright as a button = intelligent
as good as gold – well-behaved
would only be used of a child or children
)
Answers for Quiz [1].
- 1. gold. (correct)
- 2. rock. (correct)
- 3. bat. (correct)
- 4. rake. (correct)
- 5. lightning. (correct)
- 6. cucumber. (correct)
- 7. daisy! (correct)
- 8. fiddle (=violin). (correct)
- 9. pancake. (correct)
- 10. post. (correct)
- 11. button (used only of a child). (correct)
- 12. nails. (correct)