The very common fixed figurative expression as ______ as a(n) ___ is often used in informal conversation.Here are two more examples that were not given earlier:
as _____ as a(n) _____ (#6)
as neat as a pin: very neat; very clean and orderly
Lupe must spend a lot of time cleaningher house. It's always as neat as a pin.
as sharp as a tack: very clever; very intelligent(used for people). (Note: Sharp, here, means"quick to understand.")
A: Sandra's son seems very bright. B: Oh, he is. In fact, he's as sharp as a tack! He gets nothing but A's in school.
a general expression withas _____ as a(n) _____
In addition to specific, fixed expressions with as ___ as a(n) _____ , there is also a general expression usedwith many different adjectives:
as _____ as _____ can be
This expression means "very (adjective)," "unusually(adjective)," or "totally (adjective)" and is generallyused to describe people. The adjectives show opinionsor judgments of value:
That baby is unusually cute. /That baby is as cute as cute can be.
Mr. Smith is quite nice. /Mr. Smith is as nice as nice can be.
She was extremely rude. /She was as rude as rude can be.
He's unusually patient. /He's as patient as patient can be.
Kenny is unusually honest. /Kenny is as honest as honest can be.
Susie's children are exceptionally polite.Susie's children are as polite aspolite can be.
These strawberries are unusually sweet. /These strawberries are as sweet assweet can be.
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