Describing Qualities - Describing Qualities

Discover how English idioms like "off the rails" and "a sight for sore eyes" relate to describing qualities in English.

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Describing Qualities
(as|) still as a stone
(as|) still as a stone [phrase]

used to refer to a person or thing that is completely motionless

Ex: In the face of adversity , he remained as still as a stone , maintaining his composure and not showing any signs of distress .
(as|) heavy as lead
(as|) heavy as lead [phrase]

used to refer to someone or something that is very difficult to lift or move, due to being heavy

Ex: After the intense workout , her legs felt as heavy as lead , making each step a struggle .
(as|) light as a feather
(as|) light as a feather [phrase]

used to refer to someone or something that is very easy to lift and carry, due to having no considerable weight

Ex: She danced across the stage , feeling as light as a feather , gracefully moving with each step .
in the raw
in the raw [phrase]

(of a thing) in its most natural or true state of existence

Ex: " The chef presented the dish in the raw , highlighting the freshness and natural flavors of the ingredients .
a sight for sore eyes
a sight for sore eyes [phrase]

a person or thing that is very strange or unattractive in appearance

Ex: The old abandoned house was falling apart and covered in graffiti , truly a sight for sore eyes in the otherwise picturesque neighborhood .
Old Harry
Old Harry [noun]

the devil or any character that has similarities to it

Ex: He was warned not to dabble in the occult , as summoning Old Harry could have dire consequences .
snail mail
snail mail [noun]

mail that is delivered physically by the postal system as opposed to email and other electronic means

Ex: I prefer to receive my bills via email , as I find snail mail to be too slow and inconvenient .
AWOL
AWOL [adjective]

referring to something that is stolen or not in its usual place

Ex:
to [get] a hold of {sth}
to [get] a hold of {sth} [phrase]

to find a thing that one was searching for

Ex: It took a while , but I managed to get a hold of the rare vinyl record I 've been searching for .
up for grabs
up for grabs [phrase]

ready to be used or obtained

Ex: The company announced a surprise bonus , and employees are excited to see what 's up for grabs .
to [go] spare
to [go] spare [phrase]

to be available for use only due to being unwanted

Ex: After the renovation , some furniture went spare and is now offered to employees for their home offices .
crystal clear
crystal clear [adjective]

(of an object) clear or thin enough for one to be able to see through it

Ex:
old school
old school [phrase]

adhering to traditional values, methods, or styles

Ex: His taste in music is decidedly old school , with a love for classic rock and jazz .
knee-high to a grasshopper
knee-high to a grasshopper [phrase]

extremely or unusually small in size or importance

Ex: When I first started working at the company , my opinion was considered knee-high to a grasshopper .
(as|) pretty as a picture
(as|) pretty as a picture [phrase]

very appealing to the eyes

Ex: Francesca was as pretty as a picture and apparently glowing with health .
(as|) silent as the grave
(as|) silent as the grave [phrase]

used to refer to a place that is completely silent or quiet, with no noise or sound at all

Ex: As the detective entered the crime scene , the air became as silent as the grave , heightening the tension in the room .
off the rails
off the rails [phrase]

used to say that something is not following the planned or expected course

Ex:
along the line of {sth}
along the line of {sth} [phrase]

in alignment with a specific path, course, or set of guidelines within a given context or framework

Ex: The company operated along the line of sustainable practices , reducing its environmental impact .
Describing Qualities
Good Quality or Condition Poor Quality or Condition Boring or Interesting Comparison
Similar or Dissimilar Order and Tidiness Old & New Things Shape, Color & Texture
Place & Position Location & Placement Compatibility & Incompatibility Suitability & Unsuitability
Usefulness & Value Nature Vehicles Describing Qualities