Similes of the 'like a' type

Дата публикации: Nov 18, 2015 6:41:56 PM

1. sleep like a top/log - to sleep very soundly (беспробудно, крепко) - both of these similes transfer the immobility of an object to that of a person who is sound asleep (since a top spinning quickly looks immobile). Incidentally, 'sleep like a log' apparently derives from the immobility of logs, like tops, although some have suggested it to derive from the sound of sawing being like the sound of snoring.

2. drink like a fish - Fig. to drink alcohol excessively; to be in the habit of drinking alcohol excessively.

Jeff really drank like a fish at the party on Saturday.

I worry about Nancy; she drinks like a fish.

3. (as) sound as a bell - (informal) in perfect condition

The doctor says that the old man's heart's as sound as a bell.

I thought the vase was broken when it fell, but it was sound as a bell.

Now that the brakes have been relined, the car is sound as a bell.

The surgery went well and now he's sound as a bell.

4. sound as a dollar

Cliché very secure and dependable. (*Also: as ~.)

This investment is as sound as a dollar.

I wouldn't put my money in a bank that isn't sound as a dollar.

Cliché sturdy and well-constructed. (*Also: as ~.)

This house is as sound as a dollar.

The garage is still sound as a dollar. Why tear it down?

5. (as) cool as a cucumber - very calm and controlled, especially in a difficult situation

She walked in as cool as a cucumber, as if nothing had happened

The woman was as cool as a cucumber when her canoe turned over in the river.

Despite the mishap Margaret was cool as a cucumber.

6. as cold as charity

an ironical phrase implying the coldness of much so-called charity, which should naturally be warm

a proverbial phrase expressing ironically great coldness or indifference

They are as cold as Presbyterian charity, and mean enough to put the sun in eclipse, are the English. "The Attache" by Thomas Chandler Haliburton

It's as cold as charity. "The Winning Clue" by James Hay, Jr.

Now the fowl would be dried to a cinder, the potatoes moist and sodden, the apples cold as charity! "Two Little Travellers" by Frances Browne Arthur

It was Christmas Day, and cold as charity. "Memoirs of an American Prima Donna" by Clara Louise Kellogg

I grew hot with rage, but the grate remained as cold as charity. "Under One Flag" by Richard Marsh

It was dusk when we reached London, and as cold as charity. "Johnny Ludlow. First Series" by Mrs. Henry Wood

I felt as cold as charity. "Johnny Ludlow, Third Series" by Mrs. Henry Wood

7. as thin as a rake