A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid (e.g. as brave as a lion).
Some may find it difficult to differentiate between simile and metaphor as literary devices since both are figures of speech designed to create meaning through comparisons. Simile is actually a subset of metaphor and is distinguished by the presence of one of two words: “like” and “as.” Metaphors create direct comparisons without using either of these words, whereas similes feature either like or as in making a comparison.
There are many common examples of similes used in everyday conversation and writing. Here are some well-known phrases that use this figure of speech:
Nutty as a fruitcake
Slept like a log
Sly as a fox
Fits like a glove
Cool as a cucumber
Blind as a bat
Light as a feather
Like watching paint dry
Works like a charm
Old as the hills
Pretty as a picture
Hurts like the devil
Strong as an ox
Fight like cats and dogs
Sparkle like diamonds
Cheeks like roses
Flat as a pancake
Eyes like glass
Sweet as sugar
Dull as a doorknob
Bright as the sun
Tough as nails
Smart as a whip
Mad as a hatter
Happy as a clam
Coming back to similes, many of the most common similes compare people to animals. Fill in the blanks with the animal most commonly used for that simile. It is not always obvious!
dog - bee - ox - mouse - lamb - mule
bat - snail - eel - lark - bunny - owl
(1) I can’t talk right now. I’m as busy as a ________________.
(2) I couldn’t grab it. It’s as slippery as an ________________.
(3) Look at her go! She’s as quick as a ________________.
(4) He can’t see a thing. He’s as blind as a ________________.
(5) She’ll know the answer. She’s as wise as an ________________.
(6) She’s in good spirits today. She’s as happy as a ________________.
(7) This computer is terrible. It’s as slow as a ________________.
(8) He’ll never change his mind. He’s as stubborn as a ______________.
(9) Don’t worry about him. He’s as gentle as a ________________.
(10) I can’t hear you. You are as quiet as a ________________.
(11) Get him to lift it. He’s as strong as an ________________.
(12) I can’t go to school today. I’m as sick as a ________________.
Not always obvious, isn't it? Hope you find it useful !