Sometimes people don’t understand things quickly. Maybe they say or do something that doesn’t make much sense. Instead of saying “That person is not smart,” people often use fun and silly ways to say it. These are called similes. A simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as.”
Writers and speakers use similes to make talking more colorful or even funny. For example, someone might say, “He’s as sharp as a bowling ball.” That doesn’t mean he’s really a bowling ball. It just means he’s not thinking clearly. In this lesson, we will look at many similes people use to describe someone being silly or not very smart. Some are funny, and some are common sayings you might hear at school or home.
Similes for Stupid
1. As sharp as a marble
Meaning: Not very smart
Within a Sentence: He’s as sharp as a marble when it comes to math. / She’s as sharp as a marble in science class.
In Other Words: He’s not quick to understand. / She doesn’t get it easily.
2. Like a screen door on a submarine
Meaning: Useless or not very smart
Within a Sentence: Trying to hide your phone at school is like a screen door on a submarine. / His plan was like a screen door on a submarine.
In Other Words: It doesn’t work well. / Not a smart idea.
3. As bright as a burnt-out bulb
Meaning: Lacking cleverness
Within a Sentence: That answer was as bright as a burnt-out bulb. / He’s as bright as a burnt-out bulb today.
In Other Words: That was a bad guess. / He’s not thinking well.
4. Like a rock in a spelling bee
Meaning: Not likely to do well
Within a Sentence: He was like a rock in a spelling bee totally lost. / I felt like a rock in a spelling bee when the hard words came.
In Other Words: Not very smart at that. / Really confused.
5. As clueless as a goldfish in a tree
Meaning: Very confused or unaware
Within a Sentence: I felt as clueless as a goldfish in a tree during the test. / He’s as clueless as a goldfish in a tree when we play chess.
In Other Words: Completely confused. / Doesn’t know what’s happening.
6. Like a pencil with no lead
Meaning: Not helpful or lacking ability
Within a Sentence: That idea is like a pencil with no lead. / He’s like a pencil with no lead when doing homework.
In Other Words: Not useful. / Not doing the job.
7. As smart as a bag of hammers
Meaning: Not smart at all
Within a Sentence: That move was as smart as a bag of hammers. / He’s as smart as a bag of hammers when playing that game.
In Other Words: A very silly decision. / He doesn’t get it.
8. Like a squirrel without a nut
Meaning: Missing something important
Within a Sentence: I felt like a squirrel without a nut during math class. / She’s like a squirrel without a nut when she forgets her book.
In Other Words: Not ready. / Missing what’s needed.
9. As lost as last year’s homework
Meaning: Very lost or confused
Within a Sentence: He was as lost as last year’s homework in that class. / I was as lost as last year’s homework on the field trip.
In Other Words: Didn’t know what to do. / Totally unsure.
10. Like a chicken reading a book
Meaning: Not understanding at all
Within a Sentence: He looked like a chicken reading a book during the lesson. / I felt like a chicken reading a book during the science test.
In Other Words: Totally confused. / Didn’t get it.
11. As empty as a balloon without air
Meaning: Having no good ideas
Within a Sentence: That plan was as empty as a balloon without air. / His head seemed as empty as a balloon without air.
In Other Words: It made no sense. / He wasn’t thinking.
12. Like a fish on a bicycle
Meaning: Completely out of place
Within a Sentence: He was like a fish on a bicycle in art class. / That answer was like a fish on a bicycle.
In Other Words: Totally wrong. / Didn’t belong.
13. As wise as a doorknob
Meaning: Not wise at all
Within a Sentence: That was as wise as a doorknob. / He’s acting as wise as a doorknob today.
In Other Words: Very silly choice. / Not thinking clearly.
14. Like a dog doing homework
Meaning: Very bad at it
Within a Sentence: I was like a dog doing homework in math today. / She looked like a dog doing homework with that project.
In Other Words: Totally confused. / Didn’t understand.
15. As slow as a frozen turtle
Meaning: Very slow to understand
Within a Sentence: He’s as slow as a frozen turtle when learning spelling. / I felt as slow as a frozen turtle today.
In Other Words: Hard to catch on. / Took a long time to learn.
16. Like a lightbulb with no switch
Meaning: Can’t get the right idea
Within a Sentence: That guess was like a lightbulb with no switch. / Her thinking was like a lightbulb with no switch.
In Other Words: No smart ideas. / Didn’t help.
17. As helpful as a chocolate teapot
Meaning: Not useful at all
Within a Sentence: His answers were as helpful as a chocolate teapot. / That plan is as helpful as a chocolate teapot.
In Other Words: Totally useless. / Doesn’t work.
18. Like a brick in water
Meaning: Can’t keep up
Within a Sentence: He sank like a brick in water during the test. / She was like a brick in water during the game.
In Other Words: Didn’t do well. / Struggled a lot.
19. As quick as a snail in glue
Meaning: Very slow thinking
Within a Sentence: I was as quick as a snail in glue during class. / His brain was as quick as a snail in glue.
In Other Words: Thought too slowly. / Took forever.
20. Like a robot with no battery
Meaning: Not able to think or act
Within a Sentence: He’s like a robot with no battery today. / I felt like a robot with no battery this morning.
In Other Words: Couldn’t think. / Couldn’t do anything right.
21. As smart as toast
Meaning: Not smart at all
Within a Sentence: That was as smart as toast. / He acted as smart as toast during the quiz.
In Other Words: Very silly. / Didn’t make sense.
22. Like a phone with no signal
Meaning: Not picking up information
Within a Sentence: She was like a phone with no signal during math. / He’s like a phone with no signal in class.
In Other Words: Didn’t understand. / Missed everything.
23. As clever as a rock
Meaning: Not clever at all
Within a Sentence: That move was as clever as a rock. / He’s being as clever as a rock.
In Other Words: Not smart. / Bad decision.
24. Like a kite in a cave
Meaning: Completely in the wrong place
Within a Sentence: I felt like a kite in a cave during gym class. / That answer was like a kite in a cave.
In Other Words: Didn’t belong. / Didn’t fit.
25. As wise as a sock
Meaning: Not wise
Within a Sentence: His idea was as wise as a sock. / She’s acting as wise as a sock.
In Other Words: Poor thinking. / Not smart.
26. Like a car with square wheels
Meaning: Not working right
Within a Sentence: That plan was like a car with square wheels. / His thinking was like a car with square wheels.
In Other Words: Didn’t work. / Silly idea.
27. As deep as a puddle
Meaning: Not thoughtful
Within a Sentence: Her answer was as deep as a puddle. / He thinks as deep as a puddle.
In Other Words: Very simple thinking. / Not much thought.
28. Like popcorn in a freezer
Meaning: Doesn’t belong or doesn’t work
Within a Sentence: His idea was like popcorn in a freezer. / I felt like popcorn in a freezer in that club.
In Other Words: Wrong place. / Not useful.
29. As focused as a dog in a squirrel park
Meaning: Easily distracted
Within a Sentence: He’s as focused as a dog in a squirrel park. / I’m as focused as a dog in a squirrel park when tired.
In Other Words: Can’t pay attention. / All over the place.
30. Like a lamp with no bulb
Meaning: Not bright, no ideas
Within a Sentence: That plan was like a lamp with no bulb. / He’s like a lamp with no bulb today.
In Other Words: Didn’t shine. / No clear ideas.
31. As helpful as a wet match
Meaning: Doesn’t work
Within a Sentence: That excuse was as helpful as a wet match. / His answers were as helpful as a wet match.
In Other Words: Didn’t help. / Useless.
32. Like a drum with no beat
Meaning: Missing the main point
Within a Sentence: Her talk was like a drum with no beat. / I felt like a drum with no beat when I forgot the rules.
In Other Words: Didn’t make sense. / Lost.
33. As alert as a sleeping cat
Meaning: Not paying attention
Within a Sentence: He was as alert as a sleeping cat. / I was as alert as a sleeping cat in class today.
In Other Words: Very slow to notice things. / Not awake.
34. Like a jellybean in a math book
Meaning: Doesn’t belong there
Within a Sentence: That idea was like a jellybean in a math book. / She felt like a jellybean in a math book in science class.
In Other Words: Totally off. / Didn’t fit in.
35. As useful as a fork in a soup bowl
Meaning: Not the right thing for the job
Within a Sentence: That plan was as useful as a fork in a soup bowl. / His idea was as useful as a fork in a soup bowl.
In Other Words: Useless. / Not helpful.
36. Like a cat chasing its tail
Meaning: Going in circles without thinking
Within a Sentence: He was like a cat chasing its tail with that project. / I felt like a cat chasing its tail while writing.
In Other Words: Repeating mistakes. / No real thinking.
37. As bright as a muddy mirror
Meaning: Not clear or smart
Within a Sentence: That guess was as bright as a muddy mirror. / He’s as bright as a muddy mirror when sleepy.
In Other Words: Confusing. / Not sharp.
38. Like a calculator with no batteries
Meaning: Not working brain
Within a Sentence: I felt like a calculator with no batteries in math class. / He’s like a calculator with no batteries today.
In Other Words: Can’t think clearly. / Mind not working.
39. As ready as toast in the freezer
Meaning: Not prepared at all
Within a Sentence: I was as ready as toast in the freezer for that quiz. / She was as ready as toast in the freezer.
In Other Words: Not ready. / Totally unprepared.
40. Like a TV with no picture
Meaning: Not showing anything useful
Within a Sentence: That answer was like a TV with no picture. / He’s like a TV with no picture when asked hard questions.
In Other Words: No help. / Didn’t respond well.
41. As smart as paint
Meaning: Not smart
Within a Sentence: That answer was as smart as paint. / He’s acting as smart as paint today.
In Other Words: Very silly. / Not thinking.
42. Like a snail in a race
Meaning: Very slow
Within a Sentence: He’s like a snail in a race when it’s time to learn. / I felt like a snail in a race on test day.
In Other Words: Not quick. / Slow to get it.
43. As silly as a banana in a toolbox
Meaning: Totally wrong for the place
Within a Sentence: That idea was as silly as a banana in a toolbox. / She felt like a banana in a toolbox at the meeting.
In Other Words: Didn’t belong. / Not helpful.
44. Like a fan in a snowstorm
Meaning: Doesn’t help the situation
Within a Sentence: That idea was like a fan in a snowstorm. / His plan was like a fan in a snowstorm.
In Other Words: Didn’t work. / Not useful.
45. As fast-thinking as a rock
Meaning: Not thinking at all
Within a Sentence: He’s as fast-thinking as a rock during class. / That was as fast-thinking as a rock.
In Other Words: Very slow. / No ideas.
46. Like a puzzle with no edges
Meaning: Confusing or lost
Within a Sentence: I felt like a puzzle with no edges on that test. / Her work looked like a puzzle with no edges.
In Other Words: Made no sense. / All mixed up.
47. As sharp as a pillow
Meaning: Not sharp at all
Within a Sentence: That answer was as sharp as a pillow. / He’s as sharp as a pillow today.
In Other Words: Not smart. / Very soft thinking.
48. Like a spoon in a toolbox
Meaning: Wrong tool for the job
Within a Sentence: That idea was like a spoon in a toolbox. / Her thinking was like a spoon in a toolbox.
In Other Words: Not right. / Doesn’t work.
49. As clear as muddy water
Meaning: Very hard to understand
Within a Sentence: That answer was as clear as muddy water. / His writing is as clear as muddy water.
In Other Words: Confusing. / Not smart.
50. Like a bird trying to swim
Meaning: Not good at it
Within a Sentence: He was like a bird trying to swim in math class. / I felt like a bird trying to swim.
In Other Words: Didn’t do well. / Out of place.
51. As prepared as a penguin in the desert
Meaning: Not ready at all
Within a Sentence: I was as prepared as a penguin in the desert for that quiz. / He was as prepared as a penguin in the desert.
In Other Words: Totally unprepared. / Didn’t know what to do.
52. Like a robot in a rainstorm
Meaning: Breaking down
Within a Sentence: That answer was like a robot in a rainstorm. / He was like a robot in a rainstorm during the test.
In Other Words: Not working well. / All mixed up.
53. As useful as a zipper on a sock
Meaning: Not useful at all
Within a Sentence: His advice was as useful as a zipper on a sock. / That tool is as useful as a zipper on a sock.
In Other Words: Doesn’t help. / No use.
54. Like a car with no steering wheel
Meaning: Can’t control anything
Within a Sentence: He’s like a car with no steering wheel in class. / That plan is like a car with no steering wheel.
In Other Words: Out of control. / No smart direction.
55. As aware as a rock in a backpack
Meaning: Doesn’t notice anything
Within a Sentence: He’s as aware as a rock in a backpack. / I was as aware as a rock in a backpack today.
In Other Words: Didn’t notice. / Didn’t respond.
56. Like a flashlight with dead batteries
Meaning: Can’t help or light the way
Within a Sentence: His answers were like a flashlight with dead batteries. / That plan is like a flashlight with dead batteries.
In Other Words: Not working. / Not helpful.
57. As awake as a brick
Meaning: Not awake at all
Within a Sentence: I was as awake as a brick this morning. / He’s as awake as a brick during math.
In Other Words: Very sleepy. / Not alert.
58. Like a balloon in a thunderstorm
Meaning: Can’t handle the pressure
Within a Sentence: She’s like a balloon in a thunderstorm when under pressure. / I felt like a balloon in a thunderstorm during the test.
In Other Words: Totally stressed. / Can’t take it.
59. As smart as a doormat
Meaning: Not smart
Within a Sentence: That answer was as smart as a doormat. / He’s acting as smart as a doormat today.
In Other Words: Very silly. / Not thinking.
60. Like a cereal box with no cereal
Meaning: Missing the most important part
Within a Sentence: That idea was like a cereal box with no cereal. / Her answer was like a cereal box with no cereal.
In Other Words: Totally empty. / Didn’t make sense.
True/False Quiz: Similes for Stupid
- Saying “He’s as sharp as a marble” means he is very clever.
True / False - “Like a pencil with no lead” means someone is helpful in a tough situation.
True / False - “As clueless as a goldfish in a tree” shows someone is very confused.
True / False - “Like a lamp with no bulb” means someone has smart ideas.
True / False - “As smart as a bag of hammers” means someone is very smart.
True / False - “Like a fish on a bicycle” means someone is in a situation where they don’t fit.
True / False - “As quick as a snail in glue” means someone thinks fast.
True / False - “Like a car with square wheels” means the plan worked perfectly.
True / False - “As helpful as a chocolate teapot” means something is not helpful at all.
True / False - “Like a phone with no signal” means someone doesn’t understand what’s going on.
True / False - “As ready as toast in the freezer” shows someone is well-prepared.
True / False - “Like a robot with no battery” means someone is alert and full of ideas.
True / False - “As awake as a brick” means the person is very sleepy or not paying attention.
True / False - “Like a bird trying to swim” means someone is doing something they’re not good at.
True / False - “As smart as paint” means the person is acting silly or not very smart.
True / False
Answer Key
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- False
- False
- True
- True
- True
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Similes Master!
- 10–14 Correct Answers: You really get Similes nice work!
- 6–9 Correct Answers: You’re learning keep going!
- 0–5 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about Similes together!
Conclusion
Similes help people explain ideas in fun and creative ways. When someone doesn’t understand something or makes a silly mistake, we don’t have to be mean. Instead, similes like “as sharp as a marble” or “like a phone with no signal” can help describe it in a lighter way.
Learning these similes helps us understand what others mean and makes our own talking or writing more interesting. Next time you hear one, think about what it really means. And maybe try using one yourself when something just doesn’t make sense.
