Similes are a way to make writing more interesting. They compare one thing to another using words like “like” or “as.” When we talk about crime, similes can help us understand feelings or actions better. Instead of just saying “bad” or “dangerous,” similes paint a clearer picture. They make stories or conversations more exciting and easy to imagine.
In this article, you will learn many similes about crime. These similes describe things like stealing, sneaking, or breaking rules in a fun and simple way. After reading, you will be able to recognize and use these similes. There is also a quiz to test what you have learned. This will help you get better at understanding and using similes in everyday talk or writing.
Similes about Crime
1. Like a shadow in the night
Meaning: Moving quietly and secretly.
Within a Sentence: The thief moved like a shadow in the night. / She sneaked into the house like a shadow in the night.
In Other Words: Very quiet. / Hard to see.
2. As sly as a fox
Meaning: Very clever and sneaky.
Within a Sentence: The pickpocket was as sly as a fox. / He planned the prank as sly as a fox.
In Other Words: Very smart. / Sneaky and tricky.
3. Like a wolf on the prowl
Meaning: Looking for trouble or a chance to do something bad.
Within a Sentence: The robber was like a wolf on the prowl. / She hunted for clues like a wolf on the prowl.
In Other Words: Searching carefully. / Ready to act.
4. As quiet as a mouse
Meaning: Very silent.
Within a Sentence: He crept into the room as quiet as a mouse. / The spy moved as quiet as a mouse to avoid being caught.
In Other Words: Very soft and silent. / Hard to hear.
5. Like a cat on a hot tin roof
Meaning: Nervous or restless.
Within a Sentence: The suspect was like a cat on a hot tin roof during the trial. / She felt like a cat on a hot tin roof waiting for the police.
In Other Words: Uneasy. / Can’t sit still.
6. As quick as lightning
Meaning: Very fast.
Within a Sentence: The thief ran as quick as lightning after stealing the wallet. / The officer was as quick as lightning to catch the criminal.
In Other Words: Very speedy. / Fast-moving.
7. Like a snake in the grass
Meaning: Dangerous and hiding.
Within a Sentence: The spy was like a snake in the grass, ready to strike. / He was sneaky like a snake in the grass.
In Other Words: Hidden danger. / Sneaky and harmful.
8. As bold as a lion
Meaning: Very brave or daring.
Within a Sentence: The hero was as bold as a lion when catching the thief. / She walked into the dark alley as bold as a lion.
In Other Words: Very brave. / Not afraid.
9. Like a thief in the night
Meaning: Doing something secretly and quickly.
Within a Sentence: The burglar came like a thief in the night. / The cheating student acted like a thief in the night.
In Other Words: Secretly. / Suddenly.
10. As cold as ice
Meaning: Showing no feelings or kindness.
Within a Sentence: The criminal looked as cold as ice when he lied. / She gave an answer as cold as ice when asked about the theft.
In Other Words: No emotion. / Very unkind.
11. Like a hawk watching its prey
Meaning: Watching carefully and waiting.
Within a Sentence: The detective was like a hawk watching its prey. / He waited like a hawk watching its prey before making a move.
In Other Words: Alert. / Careful watcher.
12. As sneaky as a raccoon
Meaning: Very secretive and clever.
Within a Sentence: She was as sneaky as a raccoon when hiding the evidence. / The spy moved as sneaky as a raccoon through the building.
In Other Words: Quiet and clever. / Hard to catch.
13. Like a cat burglar
Meaning: Someone who breaks in quietly.
Within a Sentence: The thief was like a cat burglar, slipping in and out quickly. / He was as silent as a cat burglar during the robbery.
In Other Words: Quiet thief. / Stealthy.
14. As sharp as a tack
Meaning: Very smart and quick to understand.
Within a Sentence: The lawyer was as sharp as a tack in court. / She was as sharp as a tack when solving the mystery.
In Other Words: Very clever. / Smart.
15. Like a shadow fading away
Meaning: Disappearing quietly and quickly.
Within a Sentence: The thief vanished like a shadow fading away. / He slipped from the scene like a shadow fading away.
In Other Words: Quiet escape. / Hard to find.
16. As slippery as an eel
Meaning: Hard to catch or hold.
Within a Sentence: The criminal was as slippery as an eel during the chase. / He was as slippery as an eel when trying to escape.
In Other Words: Hard to catch. / Very tricky.
17. Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Someone pretending to be nice but really bad.
Within a Sentence: The spy acted like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. / He was like a wolf in sheep’s clothing to trick everyone.
In Other Words: Fake kindness. / Hidden danger.
18. As quiet as a whisper
Meaning: Very soft and low sound.
Within a Sentence: The spy moved as quiet as a whisper. / The thief’s footsteps were as quiet as a whisper.
In Other Words: Very silent. / Hard to hear.
19. Like a fox in the henhouse
Meaning: Someone who causes trouble where they don’t belong.
Within a Sentence: The hacker was like a fox in the henhouse at the computer lab. / The spy was like a fox in the henhouse trying to steal secrets.
In Other Words: Troublemaker. / Dangerous visitor.
20. As dark as midnight
Meaning: Very dark or secret.
Within a Sentence: The night was as dark as midnight during the robbery. / The secret meeting happened in a room as dark as midnight.
In Other Words: Very dark. / Hidden or secret.
21. Like a rat in a maze
Meaning: Feeling lost and trapped.
Within a Sentence: The suspect was like a rat in a maze, trying to find a way out. / He ran around like a rat in a maze to avoid the police.
In Other Words: Confused and stuck. / Searching for escape.
22. As silent as the grave
Meaning: Completely quiet.
Within a Sentence: The room was as silent as the grave during the secret meeting. / The spy moved as silent as the grave.
In Other Words: No sound at all. / Very quiet.
23. Like a fox in a trap
Meaning: Trapped and scared.
Within a Sentence: The thief felt like a fox in a trap when the police surrounded him. / She was like a fox in a trap during the interrogation.
In Other Words: Trapped. / Nervous and caught.
24. As sneaky as a cat
Meaning: Quiet and secret.
Within a Sentence: He moved as sneaky as a cat to avoid being seen. / The burglar was as sneaky as a cat in the night.
In Other Words: Quiet and careful. / Hard to notice.
25. Like smoke in the wind
Meaning: Disappearing quickly and without a trace.
Within a Sentence: The criminal vanished like smoke in the wind. / The evidence blew away like smoke in the wind.
In Other Words: Gone fast. / Hard to find.
26. As cold as a criminal’s heart
Meaning: Very unfeeling and mean.
Within a Sentence: The villain looked as cold as a criminal’s heart. / His actions were as cold as a criminal’s heart.
In Other Words: No kindness. / Very cruel.
27. Like a hawk on the hunt
Meaning: Watching closely and ready to catch.
Within a Sentence: The police were like hawks on the hunt for the suspect. / She was like a hawk on the hunt during the investigation.
In Other Words: Alert and watchful. / Ready to act.
28. As quick as a cat
Meaning: Fast and agile.
Within a Sentence: The thief was as quick as a cat escaping from the scene. / She moved as quick as a cat through the shadows.
In Other Words: Very fast. / Moves with skill.
29. Like a snake ready to strike
Meaning: Dangerous and ready to attack.
Within a Sentence: The gang leader was like a snake ready to strike. / He waited like a snake ready to strike at any moment.
In Other Words: Dangerous. / Alert and ready.
30. As slippery as a shadow
Meaning: Hard to catch or hold.
Within a Sentence: The pickpocket was as slippery as a shadow in the crowd. / He was as slippery as a shadow when the cops arrived.
In Other Words: Hard to catch. / Quiet and fast.
31. Like a fox on the hunt
Meaning: Clever and searching carefully.
Within a Sentence: The detective was like a fox on the hunt for clues. / She worked like a fox on the hunt for the missing item.
In Other Words: Smart and alert. / Searching carefully.
32. As quiet as a shadow
Meaning: Very silent.
Within a Sentence: The spy was as quiet as a shadow in the hallway. / He moved as quiet as a shadow behind the door.
In Other Words: Silent. / Hard to notice.
33. Like a thief caught red-handed
Meaning: Caught while doing something wrong.
Within a Sentence: The boy was like a thief caught red-handed stealing cookies. / She felt like a thief caught red-handed when the teacher saw her cheating.
In Other Words: Caught in the act. / No way to hide.
34. As smooth as a con artist
Meaning: Very clever and able to trick people easily.
Within a Sentence: He talked as smooth as a con artist to trick the customers. / She was as smooth as a con artist when lying.
In Other Words: Clever and sneaky. / Good at tricking.
35. Like a shadow crossing the moon
Meaning: Moving quietly and quickly.
Within a Sentence: The thief moved like a shadow crossing the moon. / She slipped away like a shadow crossing the moon.
In Other Words: Quiet and fast. / Hard to see.
36. As sly as a serpent
Meaning: Very sneaky and tricky.
Within a Sentence: The spy was as sly as a serpent in hiding his plans. / He was as sly as a serpent in avoiding the guards.
In Other Words: Very sneaky. / Tricky.
37. Like a cat waiting to pounce
Meaning: Ready to act suddenly.
Within a Sentence: The detective was like a cat waiting to pounce on the criminal. / He waited like a cat waiting to pounce during the stakeout.
In Other Words: Ready to jump. / Alert and quick.
38. As fast as a getaway car
Meaning: Very speedy escape.
Within a Sentence: The robbers escaped as fast as a getaway car. / She ran as fast as a getaway car to avoid capture.
In Other Words: Very quick. / Fast escape.
39. Like a shadow on the wall
Meaning: Quiet and hard to see.
Within a Sentence: The spy was like a shadow on the wall during the meeting. / He slipped by like a shadow on the wall.
In Other Words: Silent. / Hard to notice.
40. As cold as a steel blade
Meaning: Hard and unfeeling.
Within a Sentence: The criminal’s stare was as cold as a steel blade. / His words were as cold as a steel blade.
In Other Words: No feelings. / Very harsh.
41. Like a hawk diving
Meaning: Attacking suddenly and quickly.
Within a Sentence: The officer was like a hawk diving to catch the thief. / She moved like a hawk diving on her target.
In Other Words: Fast attack. / Sudden move.
42. As silent as a ghost
Meaning: Very quiet and unseen.
Within a Sentence: The burglar was as silent as a ghost in the dark. / He moved as silent as a ghost through the house.
In Other Words: No sound. / Invisible.
43. Like a fox slipping away
Meaning: Escaping cleverly.
Within a Sentence: The suspect slipped away like a fox in the forest. / She ran off like a fox slipping away from hunters.
In Other Words: Clever escape. / Hard to catch.
44. As quick as a blink
Meaning: Very fast.
Within a Sentence: The thief disappeared as quick as a blink. / He grabbed the wallet as quick as a blink.
In Other Words: Very speedy. / Almost instant.
45. Like a shadow melting into the night
Meaning: Disappearing quietly.
Within a Sentence: He melted into the crowd like a shadow melting into the night. / The spy vanished like a shadow melting into the night.
In Other Words: Quiet escape. / Hard to see.
46. As cunning as a fox
Meaning: Very smart and tricky.
Within a Sentence: The criminal was as cunning as a fox when planning the theft. / She was as cunning as a fox to avoid capture.
In Other Words: Smart and sneaky. / Good at tricking.
47. Like a cat slipping through cracks
Meaning: Escaping through a small opening easily.
Within a Sentence: The thief escaped like a cat slipping through cracks in the wall. / He slipped away like a cat slipping through cracks in the fence.
In Other Words: Easy escape. / Quiet and small.
48. As dark as a cave
Meaning: Very dark and secret.
Within a Sentence: The hideout was as dark as a cave. / The room was as dark as a cave where the criminals met.
In Other Words: No light. / Hidden place.
49. Like a snake sliding through grass
Meaning: Moving quietly and carefully.
Within a Sentence: The spy slid through the building like a snake sliding through grass. / He moved like a snake sliding through grass to avoid being caught.
In Other Words: Quiet and careful. / Hard to see.
50. As silent as a shadow
Meaning: Very quiet.
Within a Sentence: The thief was as silent as a shadow in the night. / She moved as silent as a shadow behind the door.
In Other Words: No sound. / Hard to notice.
51. Like a wolf stalking prey
Meaning: Carefully watching and planning to attack.
Within a Sentence: The detective was like a wolf stalking prey on the suspect. / He followed like a wolf stalking prey in the shadows.
In Other Words: Watching carefully. / Planning attack.
52. As quick as a cat’s paw
Meaning: Fast and precise.
Within a Sentence: The thief’s hands were as quick as a cat’s paw. / She grabbed the key as quick as a cat’s paw.
In Other Words: Very fast. / Exact movements.
53. Like a shadow slipping away
Meaning: Disappearing quietly and fast.
Within a Sentence: He slipped away like a shadow slipping away from the light. / The spy vanished like a shadow slipping away into the night.
In Other Words: Quiet escape. / Hard to see.
54. As cold as a winter night
Meaning: Very cold or heartless.
Within a Sentence: The villain’s smile was as cold as a winter night. / His heart felt as cold as a winter night.
In Other Words: No feelings. / Very harsh.
55. Like a hawk circling
Meaning: Watching from above, ready to act.
Within a Sentence: The police were like hawks circling above the city. / She was like a hawk circling before the attack.
In Other Words: Watching closely. / Ready to catch.
56. As smooth as silk
Meaning: Very smooth and easy.
Within a Sentence: The con artist talked as smooth as silk to trick the crowd. / He moved as smooth as silk during the heist.
In Other Words: Easy and clever. / Good at tricking.
57. Like a shadow dancing on the wall
Meaning: Moving quietly and strangely.
Within a Sentence: The thief’s figure was like a shadow dancing on the wall. / She moved like a shadow dancing on the wall at midnight.
In Other Words: Quiet and strange. / Hard to see clearly.
58. As sharp as a razor
Meaning: Very smart and quick to act.
Within a Sentence: The detective was as sharp as a razor in solving cases. / He was as sharp as a razor when catching the criminal.
In Other Words: Very clever. / Quick mind.
59. Like a ghost in the fog
Meaning: Hard to see and mysterious.
Within a Sentence: The spy was like a ghost in the fog, hard to find. / He moved like a ghost in the fog during the escape.
In Other Words: Hard to see. / Mysterious.
60. As quick as a thief’s hand
Meaning: Very fast and sneaky.
Within a Sentence: The pickpocket was as quick as a thief’s hand. / She grabbed the wallet as quick as a thief’s hand.
In Other Words: Very fast. / Sneaky move.
Similes about Crime — True/False Quiz
- Saying “Like a shadow in the night” means someone moves very quietly.
True / False - If a person is “as sly as a fox,” they are very honest.
True / False - “Like a wolf on the prowl” means someone is looking for trouble or a chance to do something bad.
True / False - Saying someone is “as quiet as a mouse” means they are very loud.
True / False - “Like a cat on a hot tin roof” means a person feels nervous or restless.
True / False - If someone acts “as quick as lightning,” they move slowly.
True / False - Saying “Like a snake in the grass” means someone is dangerous and sneaky.
True / False - “As bold as a lion” means someone is very brave or daring.
True / False - Saying “Like a thief in the night” means someone does something secretly and quickly.
True / False - If a person is “as cold as ice,” it means they show no feelings.
True / False - “Like a hawk watching its prey” means someone watches carefully and waits.
True / False - If someone is “as sneaky as a raccoon,” they are very loud and noisy.
True / False - “Like a cat burglar” means a person breaks in quietly.
True / False - Saying someone is “as sharp as a tack” means they are very smart.
True / False - “Like a shadow fading away” means disappearing quietly and quickly.
True / False
Answer Key
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
Scoring Guide
- 15 Correct Answers: Metaphors 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
Similes are a helpful way to explain crime in a clear and interesting way. When we say things like “as sly as a fox” or “like a shadow in the night,” it helps us picture what is happening. These comparisons make stories and conversations easier to understand.
By learning similes about crime, you can better understand what people mean when they talk or write about tricky or secret actions. You can also use these similes to make your own stories more exciting. Keep practicing, and you will get better at using these phrases in your everyday life.
