Sometimes, we come across things that don’t work very well. Maybe a toy breaks after just one day, or a pencil won’t sharpen no matter what. Instead of saying “It doesn’t work” or “It’s useless” all the time, people use special phrases. These phrases are called metaphors. They compare something useless to another thing that helps show how weak or broken it is.
Writers and speakers like to use metaphors to make their words more fun or easy to imagine. Saying something “is as helpful as a chocolate teapot” is much more interesting than just saying it’s bad. In this article, you’ll learn some common ways to describe useless things using metaphors. You’ll also get to read what they mean and how to use them in a sentence. Let’s start learning how to say “useless” in more colorful ways.
Metaphors for Useless
1. A chocolate teapot
Meaning: Something completely useless
Within a Sentence: That broken flashlight is like a chocolate teapot. / Asking him for help was like using a chocolate teapot.
In Other Words: It doesn’t help at all. / It’s not useful.
2. A screen door on a submarine
Meaning: A terrible match for the job
Within a Sentence: A snow shovel in the desert is like a screen door on a submarine. / Her advice felt like a screen door on a submarine.
In Other Words: It doesn’t belong. / Not helpful at all.
3. A pencil with no lead
Meaning: Can’t do what it’s meant to do
Within a Sentence: That app is like a pencil with no lead. / A pen with no ink is like a pencil with no lead.
In Other Words: It can’t work. / It’s pointless.
4. A car with no engine
Meaning: Missing the most important part
Within a Sentence: This idea is like a car with no engine. / Without a plan, our trip is like a car with no engine.
In Other Words: It won’t go anywhere. / It can’t work.
5. A phone with no battery
Meaning: Can’t be used at all
Within a Sentence: That old gadget is like a phone with no battery. / A toy with no power is like a phone with no battery.
In Other Words: It’s dead. / No use at all.
6. A boat with holes
Meaning: Always failing
Within a Sentence: His promises are like a boat with holes. / This plan is like a boat with holes.
In Other Words: It keeps falling apart. / It won’t last.
7. A ladder with no steps
Meaning: Impossible to use
Within a Sentence: Climbing without skills is like using a ladder with no steps. / That broken plan is like a ladder with no steps.
In Other Words: You can’t go up. / It’s not working.
8. A locked door without a key
Meaning: Can’t be opened or used
Within a Sentence: The new tool is like a locked door without a key. / That book with no pictures is like a locked door without a key for little kids.
In Other Words: Can’t access it. / Doesn’t help.
9. A light bulb with no light
Meaning: Not doing what it’s made for
Within a Sentence: His ideas were like a light bulb with no light. / That comment was like a light bulb with no light.
In Other Words: No good idea. / Not helpful.
10. A racecar with no wheels
Meaning: Can’t go anywhere
Within a Sentence: The project is like a racecar with no wheels. / Without teamwork, we’re like a racecar with no wheels.
In Other Words: It won’t move. / It’s stuck.
11. A fork for soup
Meaning: Wrong tool for the job
Within a Sentence: Using that chart was like using a fork for soup. / Explaining it that way is like using a fork for soup.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work well / Not helpful
12. A blind guide
Meaning: Someone who can’t help others
Within a Sentence: He’s like a blind guide giving directions. / Asking her was like following a blind guide.
In Other Words: Can’t lead / No real help
13. A broken clock
Meaning: Not working anymore
Within a Sentence: His advice is like a broken clock. / That plan is like a broken clock.
In Other Words: Out of order / No longer useful
14. A kite with no string
Meaning: Out of control or lost
Within a Sentence: That idea is like a kite with no string. / The group felt like a kite with no string.
In Other Words: No direction / Can’t be guided
15. A fish on land
Meaning: In the wrong place
Within a Sentence: She was like a fish on land in math class. / I felt like a fish on land at that party.
In Other Words: Not fitting / Out of place
16. A book in a language you don’t know
Meaning: Impossible to understand
Within a Sentence: This guide is like a book in a language I don’t know. / That math sheet felt like a book in a language I don’t know.
In Other Words: Can’t use it / Confusing
17. A sponge in the desert
Meaning: Pointless or not needed
Within a Sentence: That extra rule is like a sponge in the desert. / Those boots were like a sponge in the desert.
In Other Words: No purpose / Doesn’t fit
18. A pen with no ink
Meaning: Doesn’t do its job
Within a Sentence: This plan is like a pen with no ink. / His idea was like a pen with no ink.
In Other Words: Can’t write / Doesn’t work
19. A parachute that won’t open
Meaning: Dangerous and broken
Within a Sentence: That system is like a parachute that won’t open. / Going in blind was like jumping with a parachute that won’t open.
In Other Words: Risky / Not safe
20. A map with no landmarks
Meaning: Hard to follow
Within a Sentence: This schedule is like a map with no landmarks. / That instruction page is like a map with no landmarks.
In Other Words: Confusing / Not helpful
21. A fan in the freezer
Meaning: Not needed at all
Within a Sentence: That warning was like a fan in the freezer. / Turning on the AC was like using a fan in the freezer.
In Other Words: No use / Not needed
22. A hammer for eggs
Meaning: Too strong for a soft job
Within a Sentence: Yelling at him was like using a hammer for eggs. / That rule felt like a hammer for eggs.
In Other Words: Too much / Not the right way
23. A snowman in the sun
Meaning: Won’t last
Within a Sentence: That excuse was like a snowman in the sun. / Her story melted like a snowman in the sun.
In Other Words: Falls apart / Doesn’t hold up
24. A flashlight in daylight
Meaning: Not helpful right now
Within a Sentence: That tool is like a flashlight in daylight. / Studying that now feels like using a flashlight in daylight.
In Other Words: Doesn’t matter / Useless at the moment
25. A chair with three legs
Meaning: Unstable and unsafe
Within a Sentence: That plan is like a chair with three legs. / The support system is like a chair with three legs.
In Other Words: Can’t stand / Not steady
26. A car stuck in mud
Meaning: Can’t move forward
Within a Sentence: We’re like a car stuck in mud with this project. / That meeting felt like a car stuck in mud.
In Other Words: Going nowhere / Not working
27. A fire without heat
Meaning: Missing the main point
Within a Sentence: Her anger was like a fire without heat. / His work was like a fire without heat.
In Other Words: All show / No effect
28. A message in a bottle
Meaning: Probably won’t be seen
Within a Sentence: That email was like a message in a bottle. / Asking them again feels like a message in a bottle.
In Other Words: Might not reach / No reply
29. A key that fits no lock
Meaning: Doesn’t work anywhere
Within a Sentence: That code was like a key that fits no lock. / This password is like a key that fits no lock.
In Other Words: Can’t use it / Won’t help
30. A net with holes
Meaning: Can’t hold anything
Within a Sentence: That plan is like a net with holes. / Her logic is like a net with holes.
In Other Words: Not strong / Full of problems
31. A balloon with no air
Meaning: Looks fine but does nothing
Within a Sentence: His plan is like a balloon with no air. / That event was like a balloon with no air.
In Other Words: Looks good, but it’s empty / Not exciting
32. A zipper with no teeth
Meaning: Can’t work properly
Within a Sentence: This tool is like a zipper with no teeth. / The fix was like a zipper with no teeth.
In Other Words: Doesn’t hold / Won’t work
33. A match in the rain
Meaning: Won’t light up
Within a Sentence: That idea is like a match in the rain. / His help was like a match in the rain.
In Other Words: Can’t start / Won’t succeed
34. A password that’s forgotten
Meaning: Locked out and stuck
Within a Sentence: The login was like a password that’s forgotten. / Her memory was like a password that’s forgotten.
In Other Words: No access / Can’t use it
35. A ladder that leads nowhere
Meaning: No real goal
Within a Sentence: This path is like a ladder that leads nowhere. / His effort felt like a ladder that leads nowhere.
In Other Words: No point / Going nowhere
36. A straw in a milkshake that’s too thick
Meaning: Can’t do its job
Within a Sentence: That plan is like a straw in a thick milkshake. / Asking him for help was like a straw in a thick milkshake.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work well / Can’t get results
37. A sponge for a fire
Meaning: Totally wrong for the task
Within a Sentence: Their help was like a sponge for a fire. / A smile in that moment was like a sponge for a fire.
In Other Words: No help / Can’t fix it
38. A bird with no wings
Meaning: Can’t fly or do what it should
Within a Sentence: That tool is like a bird with no wings. / His dreams were like a bird with no wings.
In Other Words: Can’t reach goals / Not able
39. A lock with no keyhole
Meaning: Can’t be opened
Within a Sentence: That idea was like a lock with no keyhole. / Her story felt like a lock with no keyhole.
In Other Words: Can’t figure it out / Not usable
40. A light switch with no bulb
Meaning: Useless without the next part
Within a Sentence: This rule is like a light switch with no bulb. / His idea was like a light switch with no bulb.
In Other Words: Can’t turn on / Missing what’s needed
41. A glove with no fingers
Meaning: Can’t protect or fit
Within a Sentence: That answer is like a glove with no fingers. / The explanation felt like a glove with no fingers.
In Other Words: Doesn’t fit / Doesn’t help
42. A bucket with a hole
Meaning: Loses everything
Within a Sentence: That plan is like a bucket with a hole. / Studying without notes is like using a bucket with a hole.
In Other Words: Can’t hold / Can’t keep things
43. A ruler with no numbers
Meaning: Can’t measure
Within a Sentence: His advice is like a ruler with no numbers. / This rule is like a ruler with no numbers.
In Other Words: Can’t guide / No real use
44. A door without a knob
Meaning: Can’t open or use
Within a Sentence: That tool is like a door without a knob. / His instructions were like a door without a knob.
In Other Words: Can’t use it / Useless
45. A fire drill in a pool
Meaning: Makes no sense
Within a Sentence: That practice was like a fire drill in a pool. / This lesson feels like a fire drill in a pool.
In Other Words: Not needed / Doesn’t belong
46. A sandwich without filling
Meaning: Missing the important part
Within a Sentence: That plan is like a sandwich without filling. / This talk is like a sandwich without filling.
In Other Words: Empty / No value
47. A game with no rules
Meaning: Confusing and pointless
Within a Sentence: That meeting was like a game with no rules. / This test felt like a game with no rules.
In Other Words: Hard to follow / Not fair
48. A balloon tied to a rock
Meaning: Can’t rise or move
Within a Sentence: That idea is like a balloon tied to a rock. / Her efforts felt like a balloon tied to a rock.
In Other Words: Held back / Can’t succeed
49. A fan blowing at a brick wall
Meaning: Has no effect
Within a Sentence: Talking to him is like a fan blowing at a brick wall. / That warning was like a fan on a brick wall.
In Other Words: No change / Doesn’t help
50. A clock with no hands
Meaning: Can’t tell time
Within a Sentence: That reminder was like a clock with no hands. / The plan is like a clock with no hands.
In Other Words: Useless / Can’t guide
51. A shovel in a snowstorm
Meaning: Not enough to help
Within a Sentence: His efforts were like a shovel in a snowstorm. / That tool felt like a shovel in a snowstorm.
In Other Words: Too small / Won’t work
52. A hat on a scarecrow
Meaning: Just for show
Within a Sentence: His help was like a hat on a scarecrow. / That smile was like a hat on a scarecrow.
In Other Words: Doesn’t do anything / Only looks nice
53. A message with no meaning
Meaning: Says nothing
Within a Sentence: That email was like a message with no meaning. / His words were like a message with no meaning.
In Other Words: Pointless / Empty
54. A password with no letters
Meaning: Can’t be used
Within a Sentence: That login felt like a password with no letters. / The entry form is like a password with no letters.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / Missing parts
55. A charger for a phone you don’t have
Meaning: Useless to you
Within a Sentence: That advice was like a charger for a phone I don’t have. / This book is like a charger for a phone I don’t have.
In Other Words: No good to me / Doesn’t fit
56. A flashlight with no batteries
Meaning: Can’t light anything
Within a Sentence: That tip was like a flashlight with no batteries. / The project felt like a flashlight with no batteries.
In Other Words: No power / Not useful
57. A pencil on a touchscreen
Meaning: Won’t work
Within a Sentence: His solution is like using a pencil on a touchscreen. / That trick was like a pencil on a touchscreen.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / Wrong method
58. A soap bubble in the wind
Meaning: Will vanish quickly
Within a Sentence: That excuse was like a soap bubble in the wind. / Her story felt like a soap bubble in the wind.
In Other Words: Won’t last / Disappears fast
59. A firework that doesn’t light
Meaning: A letdown
Within a Sentence: His plan was like a firework that doesn’t light. / The show felt like a firework that doesn’t light.
In Other Words: No result / No fun
60. A snowplow in July
Meaning: Wrong time
Within a Sentence: That rule is like a snowplow in July. / This warning feels like a snowplow in July.
In Other Words: Not needed / Doesn’t belong
True/False Quiz – Metaphors for Useless
- A “pencil with no lead” is a good example of something very helpful.
True / False - Saying “a screen door on a submarine” means it’s the right tool for the job.
True / False - A “car with no engine” can’t go anywhere.
True / False - A “fork for soup” is useful in every meal.
True / False - “A balloon with no air” is full and strong.
True / False - “A snowman in the sun” shows something that won’t last.
True / False - A “match in the rain” is likely to work well.
True / False - A “fan in a freezer” means something is not needed.
True / False - “A shovel in a snowstorm” means the tool is perfect and powerful.
True / False - “A fire drill in a pool” is a smart idea for water safety.
True / False - “A charger for a phone you don’t have” is helpful.
True / False - A “light bulb with no light” means it’s doing its job well.
True / False - A “bucket with a hole” can still hold water just fine.
True / False - “A soap bubble in the wind” is something that lasts a long time.
True / False - “A snowplow in July” means something is useful right now.
True / False
Answers:
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- False
- False
- False
- False
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Metaphor Master!
- 10–14 Correct Answers: You really get Metaphors nice work!
- 6–9 Correct Answers: You’re learning keep going!
- 0–5 Correct Answers: Let’s learn about Metaphors together!
Conclusion
Metaphors help us describe things in clever and fun ways. Instead of just saying something doesn’t work, we can say it’s “a car with no engine” or “a pencil with no lead.” These phrases make it easier to explain when something isn’t helpful.
Now that you’ve learned some of these sayings, try to notice them in books, shows, or conversations. You might even use one yourself the next time something feels totally useless. They make your words stronger and more fun to hear.
