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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English Idioms used to Describe Qualities

(as) still as a stone

[phrase]

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

Ex: As the meditation session progressed, she became as still as a stone, finding inner peace and calm.

(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: Carrying the suitcase up the stairs felt like a daunting task as it was as heavy as lead.

(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: With the new aerodynamic design, the racing car felt light as a feather on the track.

in the raw

[phrase]

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

Ex: The artist preferred to paint landscapes in the raw, capturing the beauty of nature untouched by human intervention.

a sight for sore eyes

[phrase]

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

Ex: The new sculpture in the park was certainly a sight for sore eyes, with its bizarre and unconventional design.

off the rails

[phrase]

used to say that something is extreme or exciting

Ex: The new roller coaster at the amusement park is off the rails!

Old Harry

[noun]

the devil or any character that has similarities to it

Ex: She made a deal with Old Harry, and now she's paying the price for her reckless actions.

snail mail

[noun]

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

Ex: I sent my application for the job via snail mail, but I'm worried it won't arrive on time.

a bunch of fives

[phrase]

a person's fist

Ex: The enraged boxer aimed a bunch of fives at his opponent's jaw.

AWOL

[Adjective]

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

Ex: The valuable painting was mysteriously AWOL from the museum's collection.

to get a hold of something

[phrase]

to find a thing that one was searching for

Ex: I finally got a hold of the book you recommended, and I can't wait to start reading it.

to lay one's hands on something

[phrase]

to succeed in obtaining something

Ex: I finally laid my hands on the antique vase I've been searching for at the flea market.

up for grabs

[phrase]

ready to be used or obtained

Ex: The last few tickets for the concert are up for grabs, so make sure to buy them quickly.

to go spare

[phrase]

to be available for use only due to being unwanted

Ex: The extra office supplies will go spare if no one claims them by the end of the week.

crystal clear

[Adjective]

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

Ex: The crystal-clear water of the tropical lagoon allowed us to see vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish beneath the surface.

old school

[phrase]

adhering to traditional values, methods, or styles

Ex: Despite the rise of digital media, some people still prefer the old-school charm of reading physical books.

knee-high to a grasshopper

[phrase]

extremely or unusually small in size or importance

Ex: Compared to the grandeur of the neighboring buildings, the quaint little café on the corner is knee-high to a grasshopper.

(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

[phrase]

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

Ex: The room fell silent as the grave when the teacher walked in, signaling the start of the exam.

(as) American as apple pie

[phrase]

used of someone or something that is seen or considered very normal in America

Ex: The small-town Fourth of July parade was as American as apple pie, with marching bands, flags, and classic cars.

along the line of something

[phrase]

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

Ex: The team is working along the line of the project plan, ensuring tasks are completed on schedule.

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

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