Similes are comparing words. 'As nutty as a fruitcake' and 'Life is like a box of chocolates' are similes: an expression used to describe the quality of someone or something by comparing it with something else: often, the meaning of the simile has to be worked out. Similes are easily recognized because they use 'like' or 'as ... as ...'.
So, if 'Life is like a box of chocolates', what is life like? If you've seen the film 'Forrest Gump', you'll probably know the answer. Incidentally, this simile first appeared in the 1994 film 'Forrest Gump'.
Similes can brighten up any piece of writing ~ even more so if the simile is humorous ~ add some to your writing and see if you get extra marks from your English teacher!
Do this 11-plus quiz and see if you can work out what some similes really mean.
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Has anyone asked the bugs how they feel?
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This could also mean that she doesn't want to accept things that she should, for example: She's as blind as a bat when it comes to her son's misbehaviour
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If you were to disturb a hornets' nest, you'd soon find out the meaning of this simile: don't do it!
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Is a church mouse quieter than a town mouse?
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Has anyone ever seen a living door nail?
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If it fits like a glove, you can wear it
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Poor pigs!
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It's not only lords who get as drunk as lords
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They may look alike, but once you've taken a few sips - you'll soon realize the difference!
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This simile is often used ironically or sarcastically: Oh, yes! I understood everything; his explanation was as clear as mud
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