Waiting is something we all do. We wait for the bus, for lunch, or even for our turn on the swings. Sometimes it feels short, and other times it seems to take forever. Writers and speakers often use similes to show how waiting feels. A simile compares one thing to another using the words “like” or “as.” This helps us picture it better and feel what the person felt while waiting.
Similes for waiting can make writing more fun and clear. Instead of saying “I waited a long time,” you might say “I waited like a turtle climbing a hill.” This paints a picture in the reader’s mind. These similes help us understand what it’s like to be patient or not so patient. Let’s look at some fun and easy similes for waiting.
Similes for Waiting
1. Like watching paint dry
Meaning: Waiting that feels slow and boring.
Samples: Waiting for my turn felt like watching paint dry. / The class dragged on like watching paint dry.
To Put it Another Way: It was really slow. / I was bored the whole time.
2. Like a turtle crossing the road
Meaning: A very slow wait that feels endless.
Samples: The line moved like a turtle crossing the road. / Our wait for lunch felt like a turtle crossing the road.
To Put it Another Way: It felt like forever. / Everything was moving so slow.
3. Like standing still in a race
Meaning: Feeling stuck while others seem to move forward.
Samples: Waiting for my grade was like standing still in a race. / I felt like I was standing still in a race while others finished their work.
To Put it Another Way: I wasn’t going anywhere. / It felt unfair.
4. Like a snail on a sidewalk
Meaning: Extremely slow and tiring waiting.
Samples: The internet was loading like a snail on a sidewalk. / Waiting for the bus was like watching a snail crawl.
To Put it Another Way: It took so long. / It felt super slow.
5. Like a frozen clock
Meaning: Time seems to stop completely.
Samples: During the test, time felt like a frozen clock. / My birthday countdown moved like a frozen clock.
To Put it Another Way: Time wasn’t moving. / I couldn’t believe how long it took.
6. Like waiting for water to boil
Meaning: The wait feels longer because you are watching it.
Samples: Waiting for Mom to say yes was like waiting for water to boil. / The lunch bell felt like it would never ring, like waiting for water to boil.
To Put it Another Way: It felt longer just because I was focused on it. / I kept checking and nothing changed.
7. Like a cat at a mouse hole
Meaning: Waiting carefully and ready to act.
Samples: He stood like a cat at a mouse hole, waiting for the door to open. / I was like a cat at a mouse hole waiting for my name to be called.
To Put it Another Way: I was ready but still waiting. / I was focused and still.
8. Like being stuck in glue
Meaning: Feeling trapped while waiting.
Samples: The line wasn’t moving it felt like being stuck in glue. / My legs felt like they were stuck in glue during the long wait.
To Put it Another Way: I couldn’t move forward. / It felt like I was stuck.
9. Like waiting for the sun to rise at midnight
Meaning: Waiting for something that seems far away or impossible.
Samples: Waiting for vacation was like waiting for the sun to rise at midnight. / Getting that text back felt like waiting for the sun to rise at midnight.
To Put it Another Way: It seemed like it would never happen. / I felt hopeless waiting.
10. Like leaves waiting to fall
Meaning: Quiet and still waiting, with something expected.
Samples: The kids were quiet like leaves waiting to fall before the announcement. / We sat like leaves waiting to fall before the teacher came.
To Put it Another Way: We were waiting calmly. / It felt peaceful but slow.
11. Like waiting in line at the DMV
Meaning: A long and tiring wait with no fun.
Samples: The lunch line felt like waiting in line at the DMV. / It was like waiting in line at the DMV to get called for the prize.
To Put it Another Way: It took forever. / I got really bored.
12. Like being on hold forever
Meaning: Waiting while nothing seems to happen.
Samples: I felt like I was on hold forever waiting for the teacher to answer. / Waiting for the movie to start was like being on hold.
To Put it Another Way: Nothing was happening. / I was just stuck.
13. Like cookies baking in the oven
Meaning: Waiting with excitement but also patience.
Samples: I felt like cookies baking in the oven before my birthday party. / We were like cookies in the oven before the game started.
To Put it Another Way: I was excited but had to wait. / It was hard to be patient.
14. Like a dog staring at the door
Meaning: Waiting for someone to come.
Samples: I was like a dog staring at the door, waiting for Dad to get home. / She sat like a dog at the door, waiting for her friend.
To Put it Another Way: I kept watching and waiting. / I was eager.
15. Like a kid counting down to Christmas
Meaning: Waiting with excitement that feels long.
Samples: Waiting for the trip was like counting down to Christmas. / It was like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.
To Put it Another Way: I was excited but it felt slow. / I couldn’t wait.
16. Like waiting for a pot of gold
Meaning: Waiting for something special that might not happen.
Samples: Getting picked felt like waiting for a pot of gold. / I waited for my prize like it was a pot of gold.
To Put it Another Way: I hoped it would happen. / It felt like a big wish.
17. Like a traffic light stuck on red
Meaning: Feeling stuck and unable to move forward.
Samples: The meeting felt like a traffic light stuck on red. / I was ready to leave, but it was like a red light wouldn’t change.
To Put it Another Way: I couldn’t move. / I was frozen in place.
18. Like a bird waiting to fly
Meaning: Ready but not allowed to start.
Samples: Before the race, I felt like a bird waiting to fly. / She stood at the line like a bird waiting to fly.
To Put it Another Way: I wanted to go. / I was waiting for a signal.
19. Like a frozen pond in winter
Meaning: Still and quiet, with no movement.
Samples: The classroom was like a frozen pond in winter before the teacher arrived. / It was like a frozen pond while we waited.
To Put it Another Way: Nothing moved. / It felt calm but long.
20. Like the moon waiting for night
Meaning: Waiting for the right moment.
Samples: He stood quietly like the moon waiting for night. / I felt like the moon waiting for night during rehearsal.
To Put it Another Way: I had to be patient. / I was waiting for my time.
21. Like waiting in slow traffic
Meaning: Frustrating and slow waiting.
Samples: Getting through the hallway was like waiting in slow traffic. / The lunch line felt like traffic on a busy road.
To Put it Another Way: It was slow and annoying. / I couldn’t go fast.
22. Like a balloon ready to pop
Meaning: Feeling full of energy or nerves while waiting.
Samples: Before my turn on stage, I was like a balloon ready to pop. / I felt like I might burst.
To Put it Another Way: I had too much energy. / I was nervous.
23. Like a phone with no signal
Meaning: Feeling stuck and unable to act.
Samples: I felt like a phone with no signal, just sitting and waiting. / I couldn’t do anything it was like no signal.
To Put it Another Way: I was helpless. / I had to wait.
24. Like the mail on a holiday
Meaning: Nothing is moving or being done.
Samples: It felt like the mail on a holiday nothing came. / My reply was like mail on a holiday never came.
To Put it Another Way: Everything was paused. / Nothing was happening.
25. Like a frog waiting to leap
Meaning: Waiting and ready to act fast.
Samples: I was like a frog waiting to leap before the buzzer. / She crouched like a frog waiting to jump.
To Put it Another Way: I was ready. / I was focused.
26. Like a spider in a web
Meaning: Waiting patiently for something to happen.
Samples: He waited like a spider in a web, calm and quiet. / I stayed still like a spider in a web.
To Put it Another Way: I was careful and patient. / I waited quietly.
27. Like ice cream in the sun
Meaning: Feeling tired or impatient while waiting.
Samples: I was melting like ice cream in the sun, waiting outside. / The heat made the wait feel like ice cream in the sun.
To Put it Another Way: I felt like giving up. / I was hot and tired.
28. Like popcorn before it pops
Meaning: Waiting and full of energy.
Samples: We were like popcorn before it pops at the start of the game. / She bounced like popcorn waiting to pop.
To Put it Another Way: We were full of energy. / We were excited.
29. Like a sleepy bear in spring
Meaning: Slow and quiet waiting after rest.
Samples: I was like a sleepy bear in spring, not ready yet. / The class woke up like sleepy bears.
To Put it Another Way: We were slow. / We needed time.
30. Like a gift under the tree
Meaning: Waiting to be noticed or opened.
Samples: I stood like a gift under the tree, waiting to be picked. / He felt like a present nobody had opened.
To Put it Another Way: I was ready to shine. / I waited to be seen.
31. Like seeds under the soil
Meaning: Waiting quietly for something to begin.
Samples: We sat like seeds under the soil before the teacher walked in. / I was like a seed waiting for spring.
To Put it Another Way: I was hidden and waiting. / I was calm and quiet.
32. Like a clock without hands
Meaning: Waiting without knowing how long it will take.
Samples: It felt like a clock without hands during the delay. / I was waiting with no clue, like a clock with no hands.
To Put it Another Way: I didn’t know when it would end. / Time was missing.
33. Like a squirrel waiting for winter
Meaning: Waiting and preparing at the same time.
Samples: She was like a squirrel waiting for winter before the test. / I waited like a squirrel hiding food.
To Put it Another Way: I was waiting while getting ready. / I was calm and prepared.
34. Like jelly not yet set
Meaning: Waiting to feel ready or strong.
Samples: My legs felt like jelly not yet set before the race. / I stood like jelly that needed more time.
To Put it Another Way: I wasn’t ready yet. / I needed a moment.
35. Like a dog in a car at the drive-thru
Meaning: Eager and excited while waiting.
Samples: I was like a dog in a car at the drive-thru so excited! / She bounced like a puppy waiting at the drive-thru.
To Put it Another Way: I couldn’t wait. / I was full of energy.
36. Like the moon behind a cloud
Meaning: Waiting quietly without being seen.
Samples: I stood like the moon behind a cloud while the spotlight was on others. / She waited like a hidden moon.
To Put it Another Way: I was there but not noticed. / I stayed quiet.
37. Like butter on warm toast
Meaning: Slowly settling or waiting calmly.
Samples: I melted like butter on warm toast waiting for my turn. / He sat calmly, like butter on toast.
To Put it Another Way: I relaxed and waited. / I was soft and still.
38. Like the popcorn button still blinking
Meaning: Waiting for something to finish.
Samples: I stared at the microwave like the popcorn button blinking. / Waiting was like watching a blinking popcorn button.
To Put it Another Way: I waited for the moment to come. / I kept checking.
39. Like a kite waiting for wind
Meaning: Ready but needing a push to start.
Samples: I stood like a kite waiting for wind before the game. / She was ready, like a kite waiting to fly.
To Put it Another Way: I needed help to start. / I waited for a chance.
40. Like pancakes waiting for syrup
Meaning: Ready but not quite complete.
Samples: My art project was like pancakes waiting for syrup just missing one thing. / We were ready but waiting for the fun part.
To Put it Another Way: Almost ready. / Just needed one more thing.
41. Like a pencil before the first word
Meaning: Waiting to be used or noticed.
Samples: I felt like a pencil before the first word silent and still. / We were like pencils waiting on the desk.
To Put it Another Way: Waiting to begin. / Not in action yet.
42. Like a traffic cone in a race
Meaning: Waiting and not part of the action.
Samples: I stood like a traffic cone in a race while others played. / She waited like a traffic cone at the side.
To Put it Another Way: I was still and left out. / I was just watching.
43. Like eggs in a nest
Meaning: Waiting quietly for something new.
Samples: We sat like eggs in a nest before our names were called. / I waited like an egg about to hatch.
To Put it Another Way: I was quiet and still. / I was waiting for change.
44. Like a shadow at sunset
Meaning: Slowly fading while waiting.
Samples: I felt like a shadow at sunset while others moved on. / She stood like a shadow waiting to disappear.
To Put it Another Way: I felt like I didn’t matter. / I was fading away.
45. Like soda before the fizz
Meaning: Waiting with energy building up.
Samples: He was like soda before the fizz, full of energy. / I felt like a can about to pop.
To Put it Another Way: I was about to burst. / I had lots of energy inside.
46. Like a race car in park
Meaning: Fast and ready, but not going yet.
Samples: I felt like a race car in park before the signal. / We were ready but waiting.
To Put it Another Way: I was full of energy but still. / I wanted to start.
47. Like popcorn waiting for heat
Meaning: Waiting for something to begin.
Samples: The classroom was like popcorn waiting for heat before the play. / We sat still like popcorn waiting to pop.
To Put it Another Way: We were getting ready. / The moment was close.
48. Like a toy waiting on a shelf
Meaning: Waiting to be noticed or used.
Samples: I felt like a toy waiting on a shelf before the teacher picked me. / She sat like a toy no one played with.
To Put it Another Way: I was waiting to be chosen. / I felt forgotten.
49. Like rain waiting in the clouds
Meaning: Feelings or actions building up but not released.
Samples: I was like rain waiting in the clouds before I spoke. / My ideas were like rain waiting to fall.
To Put it Another Way: I had something to say. / I was holding back.
50. Like a puzzle missing one piece
Meaning: Almost ready but waiting for something small.
Samples: The game was like a puzzle missing one piece we needed one player. / I felt like I was missing something.
To Put it Another Way: I was waiting to be complete. / Just one more thing was needed.
Find the Topics: Similes for Waiting
The school gym was all decorated with red hearts and balloons. Jamie stood near the punch table, checking her phone again and again. Her date was late. She felt like a dog staring at the door, hoping he would show up soon.
Her friends were dancing, but Jamie just leaned on the wall like a toy waiting on a shelf. The music was fun, but the wait made her feel like a traffic light stuck on red. Every second passed slowly, like a turtle crossing the road.
“Maybe he forgot,” she whispered, feeling like a gift under the tree that no one wanted. Her stomach turned with nerves, like a balloon ready to pop.
She walked outside for some air. The cool breeze made her feel like ice cream in the sun, starting to melt with disappointment. She sat on the steps, watching the sky, still like a frozen clock. Her hopes were hiding, like the moon behind a cloud.
Just when she thought she might leave, she saw him rushing over, out of breath. Jamie stood up quickly, like a frog ready to leap. He smiled and said, “Sorry I’m late!” Jamie felt better right away, like cookies baking in the oven, warm and full of hope.
Your Task:
Underline or list all the similes for waiting you found in the passage.
Answer Key
- Like a dog staring at the door
- Like a toy waiting on a shelf
- Like a traffic light stuck on red
- Like a turtle crossing the road
- Like a gift under the tree
- Like a balloon ready to pop
- Like ice cream in the sun
- Like a frozen clock
- Like the moon behind a cloud
- Like a frog ready to leap
- Like cookies baking in the oven
- Like a puzzle missing a piece
Conclusion
Waiting can feel different every time. Sometimes it feels slow and boring. Other times it feels exciting or full of nerves. Similes help us explain those feelings clearly. Instead of just saying “I waited,” we can use words that paint a picture in the reader’s mind.
When we say someone waited “like a turtle crossing the road” or “like a balloon ready to pop,” it helps others understand exactly how it felt. These similes make our writing more fun and easier to connect with. Try using one the next time you want to describe waiting in your stories or schoolwork. It will help your ideas come to life.
