Category: As … as

There are many expressions commonly used in English with the comparison form ‘as … as’.

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

 

As plain as day.

If something is as plain as day it is very obvious or very noticeable.

E.g.  After the disastrous presentation and terrible feedback it was as plain as day that we would not win the contract.

 

As busy as a bee.

If someone is as busy as a bee they are extremely busy or very active.

E.g.  He never stops.  He’s as busy as a bee the whole day.  It’s no surprise he’s so tired in the evenings.

 

As dead as a doornail.

If someone or something is as dead as a doornail they are undoubtedly dead.  It can also be used to describe an idea, a project or a proposal that now has no chance of being realised and is totally defunct.

E.g.  Forget it.  Your idea from yesterday’s meeting is as dead as a doornail.  The CEO will not approve extra funding for the project.

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

There are many expressions commonly used in English with the comparison form ‘as … as’.

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

 

As flat as a pancake.

If you say that something is as flat as a pancake you are emphasizing that the object / thing is extremely flat.

E.g.  Certain areas of the country have hills and mountains and other areas are as flat as a pancake.

 

As free as a bird.

If someone is as free as a bird they have complete freedom to do exactly what they want when they want to.

E.g.  Since she retired from her job she’s been as free as a bird to do exactly what she wants.

 

As hard as nails.

If someone is as hard as nails it means that they don’t show emotion, sympathy or pity towards other people.  It has the sense that the person is uncaring towards others.

E.g.  Don’t expect any sympathy for your situation from her.  She’s as hard as nails and probably doesn’t care.

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

There are many expressions commonly used in English with the comparison form ‘as … as’.

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

 

As good as gold.

This expression if often (but not only) used to describe children who are very well behaved.

E.g.  The children played happily all day.  They were as good as gold and there was no stress for anyone.

 

As blind as a bat.

If someone is as blind as a bat they have poor eyesight and cannot see very well.

E.g.  Without his glasses he’s as blind as a bat!

 

As clean as a whistle.

If something is as clean as a whistle it means it is extremely clean.

E.g.  She spent all afternoon cleaning and polishing her car.  She did a great job – it’s as clean as a whistle.

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

There are many expressions commonly used in English with the comparison form ‘as … as’.

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

 

Take a look at the examples below.

 

As pretty as a picture.

If something or someone is as pretty as a picture it means it / they are very attractive, very beautiful or very pretty.

E.g.  The lovely cottage dates from 1750 and is as pretty as a picture with its secluded location and extensive garden.

 

As straight as an arrow.

If someone is as straight as an arrow it means they are totally honest.

E.g.  You can trust him with anything.  He’s as straight at an arrow.

 

As drunk as a skunk.

If someone is as drunk as a skunk they are very, very drunk.  They are extremely intoxicated.

E.g.  She had only planned on staying for a couple of drinks but by the end of the evening she was as drunk as skunk!

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

There are many expressions commonly used in English with the comparison form ‘as … as’.

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

 

As old as the hills.

If something is as old as the hills it is extremely old, dating from the remote past.  It also describes something of long standing.

E.g.  That story is as old as the hills.  I’ve heard it a hundred times.  I’m still not sure it’s true.

 

As cold as ice.

If you feel as cold as ice you are feeling extremely cold.

E.g.  After playing outside in the snow without wearing coats the children were as cold as ice.

 

It can also describe a person who is lacking emotion or empathy.

E.g.  After all the bad things that have happened to her recently you would have to be as cold as ice not to feel sorry for her.

 

As stubborn as a mule.

If someone is as stubborn as mule they are very sure of their opinion and are determined to do what they think is right.  They are unwilling to change their mind, opinion or attitude.

(This expression often shows disapproval.)

E.g.  She asked him several times to change the presentation to include more information for the client but he refused.  He’s as stubborn as a mule.

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise

There are many expressions commonly used in English with the comparison form ‘as … as’.

There is no magic rule to help you remember them.  You just have to learn them.  Sorry!

Take a look at the examples below.

 

As fit as a fiddle.

If someone is as fit as a fiddle they are in an excellent state of health.

E.g.  Although my grandmother is over 90 she’s as fit as a fiddle.

 

As sly as a fox.

If someone is as sly as fox it means they are clever at getting what they want, often in an underhand or manipulative way.

E.g.  Be wary at the meeting. He’s an experienced salesman and as sly as a fox.  Don’t sign something you are not sure of!

 

As cool as a cucumber.

If someone is as cool as a cucumber they are not easily stressed by situations and can remain calm under pressure.

E.g.  He’s an excellent negotiator.  Even when the pressure is on to get a good deal he remains as cool as a cucumber throughout.

 

Have fun learning English!

Louise