used to describe a very well-behaved and obedient individual, especially a child
used to refer to someone or something that is very easy to lift and carry, due to having no considerable weight
The origin of the idiom "light as a feather" is rooted in the physical properties of feathers, which are known for their lightness and delicate nature. This phrase is used metaphorically to describe something that is extremely light or weightless, emphasizing its lack of heaviness. Feathers, being lightweight and often associated with flight and freedom, serve as a fitting comparison to convey a sense of lightness and ease.
used to refer to someone who is unable to see well
The phrase "blind as a bat" came about due to a widespread belief that bats have weak eyesight. Although bats can see, they primarily use a special ability called echolocation, where they produce sounds that bounce back to help them navigate and locate objects in the dark. The idiom is used to describe someone with extremely poor eyesight or someone who seems visually impaired. It is often used figuratively to emphasize someone's inability to see or perceive something clearly. The phrase is not meant to be taken literally but serves as a humorous comparison to highlight someone's lack of visual acuity.
completely lacking the ability to hear sounds
The expression 'deaf as a post' is a figurative idiom that originated from the comparison to a post, an inanimate object incapable of auditory perception. This comparison emphasizes the extreme level of deafness being conveyed and is used to describe someone with significant hearing impairment or complete inability to hear. The phrase 'deaf as a post' is considered old-fashioned in its usage and, while still understood by some, is not commonly used in modern everyday conversations.
used to refer to someone who is extremely thin, often in an unhealthy way
The phrase "thin as a rake" is an idiomatic expression that dates back several centuries. It originated from the comparison between someone's thinness and the slim shape of a garden rake. It is used to describe someone who is extremely thin or skinny. It emphasizes the person's lack of body mass and suggests that they have a slender physique.
used to refer to someone who looks unnaturally pale, often as a result of fear or illness
The idiom "white as a ghost" originated from the association of the color white with a lack of color or pigmentation, similar to the pale appearance of a ghost. It is commonly used to emphasize a person's paleness due to fear, shock, illness, or a sudden loss of color.
used to describe a person whose face has become very red because of embarrassment
used to refer to something that is free of any moisture
The idiom "dry as a bone" originates from the comparison of bone, which is typically devoid of moisture, to a state of extreme dryness. Bones are known for their lack of moisture content, being dry and devoid of any dampness. The phrase "dry as a bone" is used to describe something that is completely dry, often emphasizing a lack of moisture, humidity, or wetness.
to sell very quickly and in large amounts
to sleep very deeply
The idiom "sleep like a log" is derived from the concept that when someone is in a deep and restful slumber, they do not move or stir much during the night, much like a log lying still. The expression has been used for centuries to describe the quality of a peaceful and uninterrupted night's sleep.
![to [have] a (memory|mind|head|brain) like a sieve](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44924/original/?type=jpeg)
to often forget things due to one's exceptionally poor memory
The idiom "have a memory like a sieve" likely draws its comparison from a sieve, a kitchen tool used to strain liquids or separate particles, which has many holes or openings. Just as a sieve allows small particles to pass through and be lost, someone described as having a "memory like a sieve" is thought to forget things easily or have trouble retaining information. This expression is used to humorously or critically describe someone who has a poor memory or frequently forgets things. It suggests that their memory is unreliable, much like a sieve that allows things to slip through.
without any problems or issues
The idiom "like a dream" likely originated from the idea of dreams being perfect, smooth, or idealized experiences, often without any problems. In the past, dreams were often associated with pleasant, flawless occurrences, so describing something as happening "like a dream" suggests that it unfolded effortlessly and without trouble. Over time, this comparison became commonly used to describe things that worked out in an almost perfect or flawless way, much like how dreams can feel idealized or effortless.
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