Sometimes, people use strong and funny words to describe someone who doesn’t help much or doesn’t do things well. These phrases are called metaphors. Instead of saying someone is “not helpful” or “lazy,” people use creative comparisons that help paint a picture in your mind. These phrases don’t mean what they say exactly, but they make the idea clearer and easier to imagine.
In this article, you’ll learn different metaphors people use when talking about someone who isn’t doing a good job or isn’t trying. You’ll see what these phrases mean, how to use them, and what they look like in a sentence. These will help you understand how people talk in a more colorful way. Let’s take a look at these funny and useful phrases.
Metaphors for Useless Person
1. A bump on a log
Meaning: Someone who does nothing.
Within a Sentence: He sat there like a bump on a log while everyone else cleaned. / She’s like a bump on a log during group projects.
In Other Words: Not helping / Just sitting around
2. A broken pencil
Meaning: No use or purpose.
Within a Sentence: Asking him for help is like using a broken pencil. / She’s like a broken pencil during soccer practice.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / Can’t help
3. Dead weight
Meaning: Someone who makes things harder by not helping.
Within a Sentence: Carrying him through the game felt like dragging dead weight. / She’s dead weight in our study group.
In Other Words: Slows things down / No help
4. A flat tire
Meaning: Useless or not working.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a flat tire when it’s time to get stuff done. / Our team was a flat tire without her.
In Other Words: No energy / No help
5. A screen door on a submarine
Meaning: Doesn’t belong or help at all.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a screen door on a submarine—makes no sense. / That idea is like a screen door on a submarine.
In Other Words: Pointless / Doesn’t work
6. A wet match
Meaning: Someone who can’t do what’s needed.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a wet match when we need quick thinking. / She’s a wet match in tough situations.
In Other Words: Not useful / Can’t start anything
7. A paper umbrella in a storm
Meaning: No help when things are tough.
Within a Sentence: His advice was like a paper umbrella in a storm. / She’s like a paper umbrella in a storm when things go wrong.
In Other Words: Can’t handle problems / Weak help
8. A fish out of water
Meaning: Doesn’t fit in or can’t do the job.
Within a Sentence: He looked like a fish out of water at the science fair. / She was a fish out of water at the math contest.
In Other Words: Not ready / Out of place
9. A chocolate teapot
Meaning: Looks fine but can’t be used.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a chocolate teapot when we need real help. / She’s a chocolate teapot in emergencies.
In Other Words: No good / Melts under pressure
10. A flashlight with no batteries
Meaning: Can’t work or do anything.
Within a Sentence: She’s like a flashlight with no batteries—no use at all. / That idea was like a flashlight with no batteries.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / Not helpful
11. A car with no engine
Meaning: Can’t go anywhere or do anything.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a car with no engine—just stuck. / Our group feels like a car with no engine without help.
In Other Words: No power / Stays in one place
12. A pencil with no lead
Meaning: Can’t do the job it’s supposed to do.
Within a Sentence: She’s a pencil with no lead in class discussions. / He’s like a pencil with no lead during practice.
In Other Words: Not ready / Can’t perform
13. A boat with holes
Meaning: Something that keeps failing.
Within a Sentence: That plan was a boat with holes. / He’s a boat with holes during teamwork.
In Other Words: Keeps sinking / Can’t stay up
14. A sandwich with no filling
Meaning: Looks good but has nothing inside.
Within a Sentence: His speech was like a sandwich with no filling. / That effort was a sandwich with no filling.
In Other Words: Empty / No real use
15. A phone with no signal
Meaning: Can’t connect or be helpful.
Within a Sentence: He’s a phone with no signal in group projects. / That answer is a phone with no signal.
In Other Words: No help / Can’t reach out
16. A balloon with no air
Meaning: Flat, useless, or disappointing.
Within a Sentence: Her excitement was a balloon with no air. / He’s a balloon with no air on game day.
In Other Words: No energy / Letdown
17. A flashlight in daylight
Meaning: No need for it, not useful.
Within a Sentence: That reminder was like a flashlight in daylight. / He’s a flashlight in daylight at rehearsals.
In Other Words: Doesn’t help / Not needed
18. A ladder with missing steps
Meaning: Hard to use or complete.
Within a Sentence: The plan was like a ladder with missing steps. / He’s a ladder with missing steps when we need help.
In Other Words: Can’t reach goal / Not complete
19. A doorknob on a wall
Meaning: In the wrong place or has no use.
Within a Sentence: That role felt like a doorknob on a wall. / He’s a doorknob on a wall in our team.
In Other Words: Wrong spot / Useless
20. A kite with no string
Meaning: Out of control and not helpful.
Within a Sentence: He’s a kite with no string when things get busy. / She’s like a kite with no string during practice.
In Other Words: Lost / Not helping
21. A clock with no hands
Meaning: Can’t tell time or do what it’s supposed to.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a clock with no hands when it’s time to decide. / That help was like a clock with no hands.
In Other Words: No guidance / Not working
22. A straw in a hurricane
Meaning: Too weak to make a difference.
Within a Sentence: He’s a straw in a hurricane when trouble starts. / That effort was a straw in a hurricane.
In Other Words: Too small / No effect
23. A zipper on a sock
Meaning: Doesn’t belong or serve a purpose.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a zipper on a sock in gym class. / That idea was a zipper on a sock.
In Other Words: Pointless / Doesn’t fit
24. A map with no roads
Meaning: Can’t guide or lead.
Within a Sentence: Her plan is like a map with no roads. / He’s a map with no roads in our group.
In Other Words: No direction / Not helpful
25. A sponge in the desert
Meaning: Out of place and not working.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a sponge in the desert during school clean-up. / That tool was a sponge in the desert.
In Other Words: Not needed / Can’t help
26. A match in the rain
Meaning: Can’t light up or do the job.
Within a Sentence: His ideas are like matches in the rain. / She’s like a match in the rain when we need support.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / Can’t start anything
27. A shovel with holes
Meaning: Can’t do the job it’s made for.
Within a Sentence: She’s a shovel with holes when it’s time to dig into tasks. / That excuse was a shovel with holes.
In Other Words: Can’t carry / Not helpful
28. A door without a knob
Meaning: Can’t be used right.
Within a Sentence: That solution was like a door without a knob. / He’s like a door without a knob when we ask for help.
In Other Words: Useless / Can’t open anything
29. A puzzle with missing pieces
Meaning: Can’t be finished or complete.
Within a Sentence: The plan was a puzzle with missing pieces. / He’s a puzzle with missing pieces in our group.
In Other Words: Not whole / Doesn’t work
30. A fire with no heat
Meaning: Looks right but doesn’t help.
Within a Sentence: Her speech was a fire with no heat. / He’s like a fire with no heat during practice.
In Other Words: Not effective / No use
31. A singer with no voice
Meaning: Can’t do what’s needed.
Within a Sentence: He’s a singer with no voice in debate club. / She’s like a singer with no voice in drama class.
In Other Words: Not able / Doesn’t function
32. A snowman in summer
Meaning: Won’t last or work in the setting.
Within a Sentence: That idea was a snowman in summer. / He’s a snowman in summer during tests.
In Other Words: Melts fast / Doesn’t belong
33. A lock with no key
Meaning: Can’t be used or opened.
Within a Sentence: That problem was like a lock with no key. / He’s a lock with no key during group work.
In Other Words: Not useful / No way to fix
34. A book with blank pages
Meaning: Has no real value or help.
Within a Sentence: That answer was like a book with blank pages. / He’s a book with blank pages when we study.
In Other Words: Empty / Not helpful
35. A light with no bulb
Meaning: Can’t shine or work.
Within a Sentence: Her ideas are like lights with no bulbs. / He’s like a light with no bulb during tough times.
In Other Words: No light / No use
36. A fridge with no food
Meaning: Looks good but offers nothing.
Within a Sentence: That promise was like a fridge with no food. / He’s a fridge with no food when we count on him.
In Other Words: Empty / No help
37. A chair with no legs
Meaning: Can’t stand or be used.
Within a Sentence: That plan was a chair with no legs. / She’s a chair with no legs in meetings.
In Other Words: Unstable / Useless
38. A plane with no wings
Meaning: Can’t fly or work.
Within a Sentence: His plan is a plane with no wings. / She’s a plane with no wings in science projects.
In Other Words: Grounded / Can’t take off
39. A robot with no battery
Meaning: Can’t do anything.
Within a Sentence: He’s a robot with no battery on busy days. / She’s like a robot with no battery when she’s tired.
In Other Words: No energy / No help
40. A game with no rules
Meaning: Confusing and doesn’t work.
Within a Sentence: That idea was a game with no rules. / He’s a game with no rules during group work.
In Other Words: Messy / Not useful
41. A soccer ball with no air
Meaning: Can’t be used the way it should.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a soccer ball with no air during gym. / That effort was a soccer ball with no air.
In Other Words: Flat / Doesn’t work
42. A sandwich with no bread
Meaning: Missing the most important part.
Within a Sentence: That plan was a sandwich with no bread. / She’s like a sandwich with no bread in the group.
In Other Words: Not complete / Pointless
43. A pen with no ink
Meaning: Can’t write or be useful.
Within a Sentence: He’s a pen with no ink during writing class. / That plan is a pen with no ink.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / No use
44. A wheel that won’t turn
Meaning: Stops everything from moving.
Within a Sentence: She’s a wheel that won’t turn in our group. / He’s like a stuck wheel on our team.
In Other Words: Gets in the way / No help
45. A sponge made of stone
Meaning: Can’t soak or do its job.
Within a Sentence: That advice was a sponge made of stone. / He’s like a stone sponge when we ask for help.
In Other Words: Can’t take in / Not helpful
46. A shadow at night
Meaning: Can’t be seen or used.
Within a Sentence: He’s a shadow at night in our team—just not there. / That help was like a shadow at night.
In Other Words: Invisible / No impact
47. A candle in the sun
Meaning: Can’t light anything because it’s not needed.
Within a Sentence: That tool was like a candle in the sun. / She’s a candle in the sun at school cleanup.
In Other Words: Doesn’t help / Pointless
48. A key that doesn’t fit
Meaning: Can’t open or do anything useful.
Within a Sentence: He’s a key that doesn’t fit in our group. / That solution was a key that didn’t fit.
In Other Words: No use / Doesn’t work
49. A dog with no bark
Meaning: Can’t do what’s expected.
Within a Sentence: She’s a dog with no bark in the meeting. / That idea was a dog with no bark.
In Other Words: Not helpful / Weak
50. A ladder leaning on nothing
Meaning: Not supported or useful.
Within a Sentence: His idea is like a ladder leaning on nothing. / She’s a ladder with no wall in group work.
In Other Words: Won’t stand / Useless
51. A broom with no bristles
Meaning: Can’t clean or be used.
Within a Sentence: That plan is like a broom with no bristles. / He’s a broom with no bristles at cleanup.
In Other Words: Doesn’t work / Not helpful
52. A train with no tracks
Meaning: Can’t move forward.
Within a Sentence: That project is a train with no tracks. / He’s a train with no tracks during math class.
In Other Words: Stuck / No progress
53. A mirror in the dark
Meaning: Can’t show anything.
Within a Sentence: Her help is like a mirror in the dark. / He’s a mirror in the dark when we need ideas.
In Other Words: No use / Can’t reflect
54. A remote with dead batteries
Meaning: Can’t control or do anything.
Within a Sentence: He’s a remote with dead batteries in our group. / That idea was a remote with dead batteries.
In Other Words: No power / Not working
55. A shoe with no sole
Meaning: Worn out and not useful.
Within a Sentence: Her help was a shoe with no sole. / He’s like a shoe with no sole during busy times.
In Other Words: Worn / No support
56. A toolbox with no tools
Meaning: Can’t fix or help with anything.
Within a Sentence: He’s like a toolbox with no tools in class. / That plan is a toolbox with no tools.
In Other Words: Can’t do the job / Useless
57. A blanket with holes
Meaning: Doesn’t protect or help fully.
Within a Sentence: Her plan is a blanket with holes. / He’s like a blanket with holes when we need help.
In Other Words: Not useful / Can’t cover
58. A ruler with no numbers
Meaning: Can’t measure or guide.
Within a Sentence: His help is like a ruler with no numbers. / She’s a ruler with no numbers in the group.
In Other Words: No guidance / Can’t tell
59. A swing with no seat
Meaning: Can’t be used at all.
Within a Sentence: That help was like a swing with no seat. / He’s a swing with no seat during recess planning.
In Other Words: Incomplete / Not working
60. A compass that spins in circles
Meaning: Can’t lead or give direction.
Within a Sentence: He’s a compass that spins in circles during meetings. / That answer is a compass with no direction.
In Other Words: Confusing / Not helpful
True/False Quiz: Metaphors for Useless Person
- Saying someone is a bump on a log means they are working really hard.
True / False - A chocolate teapot is a way to say someone is very helpful.
True / False - If someone is dead weight, it means they are making things harder for others.
True / False - A paper umbrella in a storm is helpful during tough times.
True / False - Saying someone is a car with no engine means they move too fast.
True / False - A pencil with no lead can still be used to write.
True / False - If someone is a sponge in the desert, they are perfect for the job.
True / False - A map with no roads is useful for giving directions.
True / False - A phone with no signal can still help in an emergency.
True / False - Someone who is a balloon with no air is full of energy.
True / False - A snowman in summer means something is out of place or won’t last.
True / False - If a person is a ladder with missing steps, they are hard to rely on.
True / False - Saying someone is a light with no bulb means they shine brightly.
True / False - A book with blank pages means something is full of useful information.
True / False - A compass that spins in circles means someone gives clear directions.
True / False
Answer Key
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- False
- False
- False
- False
- True
- True
- 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 say things in fun and clear ways. When someone isn’t helping, we don’t always need to say it directly. Instead, we can use phrases like a flashlight with no batteries or a pencil with no lead to describe the problem. These comparisons help others understand better.
Now that you’ve learned these metaphors, try listening for them in shows, books, or daily talk. They can also help make your writing more interesting. Keep learning and you’ll find it easier to express ideas in fun and smart ways.
