A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as if it were another, creating a vivid and symbolic comparison without using “like” or “as.”
For example, “Time is a snail” implies that time is moving painfully slowly, enhancing the imagery of sluggishness. Slowness often symbolizes patience, deliberation, or even stagnation, depending on the context.
This collection of 30 metaphors for slow explores how this concept can be creatively expressed, offering unique ways to describe the pace of time, actions, or progress in various situations.
Metaphors for Slow
1. As slow as molasses in January
Meaning: Something that moves very slowly, especially when it’s unusually cold.
Example Sentences:
- The delivery was as slow as molasses in January, and I thought it would never arrive!
- His response to the urgent matter was as slow as molasses in January, which made everyone anxious.
Other Ways to Say:
- As slow as treacle 🍯
- Like watching paint dry 🎨
- Like a tortoise in a marathon 🐢
2. Like a snail on a Sunday
Meaning: Describes something or someone moving very slowly, often in a relaxed or leisurely manner.
Example Sentences:
- The meeting moved like a snail on a Sunday, dragging on for hours.
- She was walking like a snail on a Sunday, savoring every step on the peaceful morning walk.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a glacier ❄️
- Like a lazy river 🌊
- As slow as a sleeping cat 🐱
3. As sluggish as a wet sponge
Meaning: Refers to something that is dragging or taking its time.
Example Sentences:
- His work was as sluggish as a wet sponge, and deadlines were being missed left and right.
- The car started as sluggish as a wet sponge after sitting in the garage for weeks.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a stuck elevator 🚪
- Like dragging your feet through mud 🌧️
- As slow as a full stomach 🍽️
4. Like a tortoise in a race
Meaning: Describes someone or something that is very slow, especially when compared to others around it.
Example Sentences:
- I tried to keep up with the others during the hike, but I was like a tortoise in a race.
- The project is moving forward like a tortoise in a race, while the competition is ahead by miles.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a sloth on a lazy day 🦥
- Like a worn-out shoe 👟
- Like a car stuck in traffic 🚗
5. As slow as a dial-up connection
Meaning: Describes something that takes a long time to get going, especially in the context of technology.
Example Sentences:
- The website loaded as slow as a dial-up connection, leaving me frustrated.
- The video buffer was as slow as a dial-up connection, making it impossible to watch smoothly.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a buffering video 📶
- As slow as an old computer 💻
- Like a broken Wi-Fi signal 📡
6. Like a sleepy river
Meaning: Describes something that is moving at a relaxed, unhurried pace.
Example Sentences:
- The conversation drifted like a sleepy river, with no urgency or excitement.
- The boat floated like a sleepy river, with no hurry to reach the shore.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a lazy afternoon 🛋️
- Like a calm pond 🦆
- As slow as a bedtime routine 🌙
7. As gradual as sunrise
Meaning: Something happening very slowly, almost imperceptibly, over time.
Example Sentences:
- The changes in her attitude were as gradual as sunrise, barely noticeable at first but significant in the long run.
- The improvement in his skills was as gradual as sunrise, but it was steady and sure.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like the first light of dawn 🌅
- As slow as the seasons changing 🍂
- Like the ebb and flow of tides 🌊
8. Like a sloth in a hammock
Meaning: Refers to something or someone moving very slowly, often lazily.
Example Sentences:
- The afternoon passed like a sloth in a hammock, slow and relaxing.
- His response to my request was like a sloth in a hammock, and I had to ask again.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a tired koala 🐨
- Like molasses on a cold day 🍯
- Like a sleeping bear 🐻
9. As slow as a parade float
Meaning: Describes something moving slowly, often with a festive or deliberate purpose.
Example Sentences:
- The traffic on the way to the concert was as slow as a parade float, barely moving.
- The work was progressing as slow as a parade float, with each step carefully planned.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a wedding procession 💍
- Like a slow march 🥁
- Like a drifting cloud ☁️
10. As steady as a tortoise’s step
Meaning: Slow but consistent, often associated with steady progress.
Example Sentences:
- His methodical approach to the project was as steady as a tortoise’s step, ensuring no mistakes.
- The train moved as steady as a tortoise’s step, and we arrived exactly on time.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a slowly ticking clock ⏰
- Like a patient farmer 🌾
- As slow as a calm heartbeat ❤️
11. As slow as a glacier
Meaning: Something that moves extremely slowly, often in a deliberate and unhurried manner.
Example Sentences:
- The negotiations were as slow as a glacier, and it seemed like no one could make a decision.
- The process of rebuilding after the storm was as slow as a glacier, but it was necessary for long-term stability.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a frozen river ❄️
- Like a sloth with a broken leg 🦥
- As slow as a creeping fog 🌫️
12. Like a broken clock
Meaning: Describes something that is constantly delayed or not functioning properly.
Example Sentences:
- The project progress was like a broken clock, constantly running behind.
- His speech was like a broken clock, always stalling and never reaching the point.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a malfunctioning car 🚗
- As slow as a tangled string 🧶
- Like an old record 🎶
13. As lazy as a cat in the sun
Meaning: Describes someone or something that is relaxed to the point of inaction.
Example Sentences:
- The afternoon passed as lazy as a cat in the sun, with everyone lounging around.
- His movements were as lazy as a cat in the sun, and he barely lifted a finger all day.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a sleepy panda 🐼
- Like a warm blanket 🛏️
- As slow as molasses 🍯
14. Like a drooping flower
Meaning: Something that is sluggish or wilting, typically due to lack of energy or care.
Example Sentences:
- The meeting was like a drooping flower, full of tired faces and stifled yawns.
- After working all day, she felt like a drooping flower, unable to keep going.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a wilted plant 🌱
- Like a tired bird 🐦
- Like a deflated balloon 🎈
15. As slow as a broken record
Meaning: Something that repeats without progress, much like an old record that sticks.
Example Sentences:
- The conversation about the budget was as slow as a broken record, repeating the same points over and over.
- His recovery after the surgery was as slow as a broken record, and it seemed like no improvements were being made.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a stuck wheel 🚲
- Like a stopped clock ⏰
- As slow as a hamster on a wheel 🐹
16. Like an old car with a flat tire
Meaning: Describes something or someone moving slowly, as if there’s something hindering progress.
Example Sentences:
- The project felt like an old car with a flat tire, stuck in place and unable to move forward.
- His progress on the assignment was like an old car with a flat tire, dragging and inefficient.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a stalled engine 🚗
- As slow as molasses on a cold day 🍁
- Like a hamster in a maze 🐹
17. As slow as a turtle with its head in the sand
Meaning: Refers to something that moves very slowly, avoiding or being passive about progress.
Example Sentences:
- The project was moving as slow as a turtle with its head in the sand, and no one was taking initiative.
- His work pace was as slow as a turtle with its head in the sand, barely making any progress.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a sloth on a lazy day 🦥
- Like an overstuffed suitcase 🧳
- As slow as a nap in the afternoon 😴
18. Like a loaf of bread rising
Meaning: Something that happens slowly and steadily, building up over time.
Example Sentences:
- The economy is recovering like a loaf of bread rising, but it’s a slow and steady process.
- His confidence grew like a loaf of bread rising, gradually but noticeably.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like the tide coming in 🌊
- Like a tree growing in spring 🌳
- Like a slow burn 🔥
19. As slow as thick syrup
Meaning: Describes something that moves or progresses very slowly, often due to being thick or dense.
Example Sentences:
- The paperwork moved as slow as thick syrup, with one delay after another.
- Time seemed to pass as slow as thick syrup on that long, boring afternoon.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like cold honey 🍯
- Like warm tar 🛢️
- As slow as molasses 🍁
20. Like a snail on a rainy day
Meaning: Something moving slowly due to external factors, such as poor conditions or obstacles.
Example Sentences:
- The traffic moved like a snail on a rainy day, with every car inching forward.
- His recovery from the flu was like a snail on a rainy day, and he was frustrated with the pace.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a ship stuck in the fog 🚢
- Like a tree growing roots 🌱
- Like a slug in a slow crawl 🦠
21. As slow as a traffic jam
Meaning: Describes something that is stuck or moving at a crawl, just like a traffic jam.
Example Sentences:
- The process of getting approvals was as slow as a traffic jam, with nothing moving forward.
- I was late because the line was as slow as a traffic jam, not moving at all.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a backed-up highway 🚧
- Like a line at the DMV 🏢
- As slow as a crowded street 🚶
22. Like a tortoise in molasses
Meaning: Describes something or someone moving exceedingly slow, as if hindered by thick molasses.
Example Sentences:
- The response from customer service was like a tortoise in molasses, taking forever to get back to me.
- His recovery after surgery was like a tortoise in molasses, incredibly slow but steady.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a snail in mud 🐌
- As slow as thick mud 🏞️
- Like a dragging shadow 🌑
23. As slow as a lazy river
Meaning: Refers to something that moves gently and leisurely, often with no rush.
Example Sentences:
- The conversation flowed as slow as a lazy river, taking its time to explore each topic.
- The boat ride was as slow as a lazy river, peacefully gliding across the water.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a calm pond 🦆
- Like a quiet brook 🌊
- As slow as a floating leaf 🍂
24. Like a butterfly in the wind
Meaning: Refers to something delicate and slow-moving, drifting through time.
Example Sentences:
- The decision-making process felt like a butterfly in the wind, with no direction and no rush.
- The slow flow of the conversation was like a butterfly in the wind, gently fluttering from topic to topic.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a feather in the breeze 🍃
- As slow as a drifting cloud ☁️
- Like a whisper in the air 🌬️
25. As slow as a sloth on a cold day
Meaning: Describes extreme slowness, often due to external conditions.
Example Sentences:
- The line at the coffee shop was as slow as a sloth on a cold day, making me late for my meeting.
- His reaction to the surprise was as slow as a sloth on a cold day, unable to process the information quickly.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a sleepy koala 🐨
- Like a bear after hibernation 🐻
- As slow as a turtle in winter 🐢
26. Like a watch in slow motion
Meaning: Describes something that seems to take forever, or happens in a prolonged, deliberate manner.
Example Sentences:
- The meeting dragged on like a watch in slow motion, with everyone waiting for it to end.
- The seconds ticked by like a watch in slow motion, making every moment feel agonizingly long.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a clock winding down ⏳
- As slow as the last few minutes of class 📚
- Like a slow-motion video 🎥
27. As slow as a snail on a cold day
Meaning: Describes something that is moving at an extremely slow pace, similar to a snail’s pace during unfavorable conditions.
Example Sentences:
- The line at the grocery store was as slow as a snail on a cold day, barely moving forward.
- His progress in learning the new software was as slow as a snail on a cold day, despite his efforts.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a frozen slug 🐌
- As slow as molasses in the freezer 🍯
- Like a sloth trudging through snow 🦥❄️
28. Like a tortoise carrying a backpack
Meaning: Something or someone moving slowly because they are burdened or overloaded.
Example Sentences:
- The delivery took like a tortoise carrying a backpack, weighed down by too many orders.
- She moved like a tortoise carrying a backpack, struggling to finish the task under the heavy workload.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a camel with a heavy load 🐫
- Like a donkey hauling bags 🐴
- As slow as a bear carrying its winter supplies 🐻
29. As slow as molasses in January
Meaning: Describes something that is incredibly slow, often due to difficult or unfavorable conditions.
Example Sentences:
- The process was as slow as molasses in January, each step taking far longer than expected.
- His performance was as slow as molasses in January, with no improvement in sight.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like ice in a cold wind ❄️
- As slow as a frozen river 🌊
- Like a snowstorm at rush hour ❄️🚗
30. Like a creeping vine
Meaning: Describes something growing or moving very slowly and steadily, often without much visible progress.
Example Sentences:
- The realization settled in like a creeping vine, slowly taking over her thoughts.
- The progress on the construction project was like a creeping vine, making little headway despite the passage of time.
Other Ways to Say:
- Like a slow-moving shadow 🌑
- As slow as ivy growing on a wall 🌿
- Like moss growing on rocks 🪴
Metaphors Practice Exercise
- The old clock ticked like a __________, dragging through time.
a) lazy river
b) frozen glacier
c) crawling snail - His pace was a __________, steady but painfully slow.
a) creeping shadow
b) fleeting wind
c) spinning top - The negotiations moved at the speed of a __________.
a) racing horse
b) growing tree
c) crashing wave - Her decision-making was like a __________, deliberate and unhurried.
a) winding stream
b) towering mountain
c) blooming flower - The traffic in the city felt like a __________, stuck and crawling.
a) molasses spill
b) racing river
c) flowing breeze - The aging machine worked like a __________, sputtering slowly to life.
a) tired mule
b) roaring lion
c) flying bird - His progress in learning the new skill was a __________, barely noticeable.
a) crawling caterpillar
b) rolling boulder
c) spinning wheel - The story unfolded like a __________, taking its sweet time.
a) slow symphony
b) fast-forward reel
c) blinking light - The glacier moved at a __________ pace, almost imperceptible.
a) snail’s
b) rabbit’s
c) deer’s - The old man climbed the hill like a __________, deliberate and slow.
a) meandering river
b) roaring wave
c) heavy cloud - Her speech was a __________, stretching words endlessly.
a) rubber band
b) flowing river
c) drifting feather - The ancient clock tower chimed with a __________ rhythm.
a) patient drum
b) quick pulse
c) silent whisper - The lazy afternoon felt like a __________, endless and dragging.
a) lingering fog
b) racing tide
c) fleeting shadow - The progress of the project was like __________, almost nonexistent.
a) drying paint
b) falling leaves
c) running water - His movements were as slow as __________, barely inching forward.
a) dripping honey
b) crackling fire
c) rushing wind
Answer Key
- c) crawling snail
- a) creeping shadow
- b) growing tree
- c) blooming flower
- a) molasses spill
- a) tired mule
- a) crawling caterpillar
- a) slow symphony
- a) snail’s
- a) meandering river
- a) rubber band
- a) patient drum
- a) lingering fog
- a) drying paint
- a) dripping honey
