Understanding something can be tricky at times. There are many ways to express confusion or not fully grasping an idea. One way people do this is by using similes, which compare something unfamiliar to something more familiar. Similes help make complicated ideas easier to understand.
In this article, we will explore some similes that are commonly used when someone doesn’t quite understand something. These comparisons make it easier to express how confused or puzzled we may feel. Let’s dive into these fun expressions and see how they can be used in everyday conversations.
Similes for Not Understanding
1. As confused as a dog in a new house
Meaning: Feeling lost or not knowing what to do.
Example: Timmy looked as confused as a dog in a new house when he couldn’t find his classroom. / She felt as confused as a dog in a new house when the teacher asked a tricky question.
Put Differently: Timmy didn’t know where to go, just like a dog in a new place. / She didn’t understand what to do, like a dog who doesn’t know its home.
2. Like a deer caught in headlights
Meaning: Not knowing what to say or do when surprised.
Example: When the teacher asked Sara a question, she froze up like a deer caught in headlights. / He stood there like a deer caught in headlights when his friend asked him about the homework.
Put Differently: Sara didn’t know what to say, just like a deer that’s too surprised to move. / He didn’t know what to do, like a deer who can’t run away.
3. Like a fish out of water
Meaning: Feeling uncomfortable or out of place.
Example: When Jake had to present in front of the class, he felt like a fish out of water. / Clara looked like a fish out of water when she tried to play soccer for the first time.
Put Differently: Jake didn’t feel right, like a fish who is out of the water. / Clara was awkward, like a fish trying to walk on land.
4. As lost as a tourist in a new city
Meaning: Not knowing where you are or how to do something.
Example: Emily was as lost as a tourist in a new city when she had to find the library. / I felt as lost as a tourist in a new city when I didn’t understand the math problem.
Put Differently: Emily didn’t know where to go, like a tourist trying to find their way. / I didn’t understand, like a tourist who can’t read the map.
5. Like a puzzle with missing pieces
Meaning: Feeling incomplete or confused because something is not clear.
Example: Timmy felt like a puzzle with missing pieces when he didn’t understand the story. / After reading the instructions, Lily felt like a puzzle with missing pieces.
Put Differently: Timmy didn’t understand everything, like a puzzle without all the pieces. / Lily was confused, like a puzzle that can’t be finished.
6. As foggy as a window in winter
Meaning: Having a hard time thinking or seeing things clearly.
Example: My brain was as foggy as a window in winter when I couldn’t remember the answer. / Her thoughts were as foggy as a window in winter during the test.
Put Differently: My mind felt unclear, like a window all fogged up. / Her thinking was hard, like a foggy window you can’t see through.
7. Like trying to read a book in the dark
Meaning: Trying to understand something when it’s impossible.
Example: It was like trying to read a book in the dark when we tried to understand the math problem. / Trying to finish the homework without my notes was like trying to read a book in the dark.
Put Differently: It was hard to understand, like reading with no light. / I couldn’t figure it out, like trying to read in the dark.
8. As confused as a monkey in a room full of mirrors
Meaning: Feeling very confused or unsure about what’s going on.
Example: Mia was as confused as a monkey in a room full of mirrors when she tried to follow the dance steps. / Tom felt as confused as a monkey in a room full of mirrors when he got lost in the mall.
Put Differently: Mia couldn’t figure out the steps, like a monkey who can’t find its way in a mirror room. / Tom was lost, like a monkey who doesn’t know which way to go in a room of mirrors.
9. Like a car without a map
Meaning: Not knowing how to get where you need to go.
Example: When I was asked to solve the tricky puzzle, I felt like a car without a map. / Sara felt like a car without a map when she didn’t know how to finish her project.
Put Differently: I didn’t know what to do, like a car that doesn’t know the road. / Sara didn’t have a clue, like a car driving without directions.
10. Like a rabbit in a rainstorm
Meaning: Feeling scared or nervous when something is unexpected.
Example: I felt like a rabbit in a rainstorm when the teacher called on me without warning. / Anna was like a rabbit in a rainstorm when she had to speak in front of the class.
Put Differently: I was nervous, like a rabbit stuck in the rain. / Anna was scared, like a rabbit
11. Like a ship lost at sea
Meaning: Feeling completely lost and without direction.
Example: Timmy was like a ship lost at sea when he couldn’t find his way around the new school. / Sarah felt like a ship lost at sea when she couldn’t understand the science experiment.
Put Differently: Timmy didn’t know where to go, like a ship stranded in the ocean. / Sarah was confused, like a ship with no direction.
12. Like a clock without hands
Meaning: Feeling unsure about time or what is happening next.
Example: I felt like a clock without hands when I couldn’t finish the test in time. / He was like a clock without hands during the soccer game, not knowing how much time was left.
Put Differently: I didn’t know when time would run out, like a clock with no hands. / He didn’t know when the game would end, like a clock missing its hands.
13. As blank as a clean sheet of paper
Meaning: Having no idea or being unable to think.
Example: I felt as blank as a clean sheet of paper when the teacher asked me to explain the story. / Her mind was as blank as a clean sheet of paper when she couldn’t answer the question.
Put Differently: I had no ideas, like a blank piece of paper. / Her brain was empty, like a clean sheet with nothing written on it.
14. Like a computer with no battery
Meaning: Feeling drained or unable to function.
Example: After studying all night, I felt like a computer with no battery. / She felt like a computer with no battery during the quiz, too tired to focus.
Put Differently: I had no energy, like a dead computer. / She couldn’t focus, like a computer that’s out of power.
15. As slow as a snail
Meaning: Taking a long time to understand something or do something.
Example: I was as slow as a snail when I was trying to figure out the math problem. / She was as slow as a snail getting through her homework.
Put Differently: I took forever, like a snail moving slowly. / She took her time, like a snail inching along.
16. Like a child in a candy store
Meaning: Feeling overwhelmed or excited, but unsure how to choose.
Example: He was like a child in a candy store when he was given so many ideas to choose from. / She felt like a child in a candy store with so many new subjects to explore.
Put Differently: He didn’t know which to pick, like a child surrounded by candy. / She was excited, like a child with so many choices.
17. As hard as finding a needle in a haystack
Meaning: Something that is very difficult to understand or find.
Example: Finding the answer to the question was as hard as finding a needle in a haystack. / It was as hard as finding a needle in a haystack when we tried to solve the puzzle.
Put Differently: The answer was hard to find, like a needle lost in a pile of hay. / The puzzle was really tough, like searching for something tiny in a huge pile.
18. Like a lost balloon
Meaning: Feeling out of control or lost.
Example: I felt like a lost balloon when I couldn’t find my friends at recess. / She looked like a lost balloon when she didn’t understand the directions.
Put Differently: I was floating around, lost, like a balloon that flew away. / She didn’t know what to do, like a balloon drifting without direction.
19. As stuck as a toy in the mud
Meaning: Unable to move forward or understand something.
Example: My brain felt as stuck as a toy in the mud when I couldn’t figure out the homework. / He was as stuck as a toy in the mud when he tried to solve the tricky riddle.
Put Differently: My mind was stuck, like a toy buried in mud. / He couldn’t figure it out, like a toy trapped in the dirt.
20. Like a rock in the middle of the road
Meaning: Feeling in the way or unable to understand.
Example: I felt like a rock in the middle of the road when I couldn’t answer the question. / She was like a rock in the middle of the road, not sure how to solve the problem.
Put Differently: I was stuck, like a rock blocking the way. / She didn’t know what to do, like a rock in the middle of a path.
21. As messy as a spilled cup of juice
Meaning: Feeling confused and all over the place.
Example: My mind was as messy as a spilled cup of juice when I tried to organize my thoughts. / His homework was as messy as a spilled cup of juice with papers everywhere.
Put Differently: My thoughts were everywhere, like juice spilled all over the floor. / His desk was messy, like juice splattered everywhere.
22. Like a cloud without a breeze
Meaning: Feeling aimless or not knowing what to do.
Example: I felt like a cloud without a breeze when I didn’t know how to start my project. / She stood there like a cloud without a breeze, unsure of what to do next.
Put Differently: I was drifting, like a cloud without wind. / She didn’t know where to go, like a cloud stuck in the sky.
23. Like a hamster on a wheel
Meaning: Running in circles without getting anywhere or understanding.
Example: I felt like a hamster on a wheel when I kept reading the same page without understanding. / He was like a hamster on a wheel trying to figure out the math problem.
Put Differently: I was going in circles, like a hamster running on a wheel. / He couldn’t move forward, like a hamster trapped in a wheel.
24. As confused as a cat in water
Meaning: Feeling completely out of place or lost.
Example: He looked as confused as a cat in water when he was asked to answer the question. / She felt as confused as a cat in water when she had to speak in front of the class.
Put Differently: He didn’t know what to do, like a cat who hates water. / She was nervous, like a cat splashed with water.
25. Like a broken pencil
Meaning: Feeling useless or unable to understand something.
Example: I felt like a broken pencil when I couldn’t figure out the homework. / She was as useless as a broken pencil when the teacher asked her to explain the lesson.
Put Differently: I couldn’t do anything, like a pencil with no point. / She couldn’t help, like a pencil that’s broken and can’t write.
26. As tangled as a mess of yarn
Meaning: Feeling confused or mixed up.
Example: My thoughts were as tangled as a mess of yarn when I tried to figure out the puzzle. / He felt as tangled as a mess of yarn when he couldn’t remember his lines.
Put Differently: My mind was a mess, like yarn all knotted together. / He was confused, like a ball of yarn tangled up.
27. Like a tree in the wind
Meaning: Feeling shaken or unsure about something.
Example: My thoughts were like a tree in the wind when I couldn’t decide what to do. / She felt like a tree in the wind when she got called on in class unexpectedly.
Put Differently: I felt shaky, like a tree moving in the wind. / She was nervous, like a tree swaying in the storm.
28. As clueless as a rabbit without its burrow
Meaning: Not knowing where to go or what to do.
Example: He was as clueless as a rabbit without its burrow when he couldn’t find the right answer. / She felt as clueless as a rabbit without its burrow when she entered the wrong room.
Put Differently: He had no idea, like a rabbit lost outside. / She was unsure, like a rabbit who lost its home.
29. Like a bird with broken wings
Meaning: Feeling unable to move or understand something.
Example: I felt like a bird with broken wings when I couldn’t finish my homework. / She was like a bird with broken wings when she couldn’t solve the problem.
Put Differently: I couldn’t do anything, like a bird who can’t fly. / She felt stuck, like a bird that couldn’t move.
30. As confused as a puppy with no collar
Meaning: Feeling lost or unsure what to do.
Example: Timmy was as confused as a puppy with no collar when he didn’t know what to do next. / I felt as confused as a puppy with no collar when I couldn’t figure out the steps.
Put Differently: Timmy didn’t know where to go, like a puppy with no tag. / I was lost, like a puppy without a collar.
31. Like a pen with no ink
Meaning: Feeling unable to communicate or solve something.
Example: I felt like a pen with no ink when I couldn’t answer the teacher’s question. / She was like a pen with no ink during the test, not knowing how to begin.
Put Differently: I couldn’t do anything, like a pen with nothing to write. / She couldn’t start, like a pen with no ink.
32. As slow as a turtle
Meaning: Taking a long time to figure something out.
Example: I was as slow as a turtle when I tried to read the instructions. / He moved as slow as a turtle during the race, thinking about the next step.
Put Differently: I took my time, like a turtle walking across the road. / He was behind, like a turtle trying to keep up.
33. Like a kite with no wind
Meaning: Feeling stuck or unable to move forward.
Example: I felt like a kite with no wind when I didn’t know how to finish my project. / He felt like a kite with no wind during the game, unable to score.
Put Differently: I was stuck, like a kite that couldn’t fly. / He couldn’t move, like a kite with no breeze.
34. As confused as a squirrel in a maze
Meaning: Feeling lost and unsure what to do next.
Example: He was as confused as a squirrel in a maze when he couldn’t find the classroom. / She looked as confused as a squirrel in a maze when she was given a complicated riddle.
Put Differently: He was lost, like a squirrel trapped in a maze. / She didn’t know which way to go, like a squirrel running around in circles.
35. Like a boat without a sail
Meaning: Feeling directionless or unsure.
Example: I felt like a boat without a sail when I didn’t know what to do in class. / She was like a boat without a sail during the test, unable to move forward.
Put Differently: I had no direction, like a boat floating without a sail. / She couldn’t go anywhere, like a boat without a way to steer.
36. As lost as a balloon in the wind
Meaning: Feeling out of control or unable to focus.
Example: I felt as lost as a balloon in the wind when I couldn’t answer the question. / He was like a balloon in the wind during the game, floating aimlessly.
Put Differently: I was drifting, like a balloon caught in the wind. / He didn’t know where to go, like a balloon blown away.
37. Like a cup with no handle
Meaning: Not being able to hold or understand something properly.
Example: I felt like a cup with no handle when I couldn’t finish the assignment. / He was like a cup with no handle during the lesson, not able to carry the idea.
Put Differently: I felt broken, like a cup that can’t be held. / He didn’t understand, like a cup missing its handle.
38. As blank as a whiteboard
Meaning: Feeling like your mind has gone blank.
Example: I was as blank as a whiteboard when the teacher called on me. / She felt as blank as a whiteboard when the test began.
Put Differently: My mind was empty, like a clean whiteboard. / She couldn’t think, like a whiteboard with nothing written on it.
39. Like a bird that lost its way
Meaning: Feeling lost or not understanding something.
Example: He looked like a bird that lost its way when he couldn’t answer the question. / I felt like a bird that lost its way when I tried to read the instructions.
Put Differently: He was lost, like a bird flying in the wrong direction. / I couldn’t focus, like a bird that didn’t know where to go.
40. As confused as a caterpillar in a butterfly garden
Meaning: Feeling unsure about something or not understanding the next step.
Example: I felt as confused as a caterpillar in a butterfly garden when I didn’t know how to do my homework. / She was as confused as a caterpillar in a butterfly garden when she couldn’t find the solution.
Put Differently: I was stuck, like a caterpillar among butterflies. / She was lost, like a caterpillar not knowing where to go.
“Rewrite the Sentence” Activity: Similes for Not Understanding
Below are 10 simple sentences that express feelings or situations about not understanding something. Your task is to rewrite each sentence using one of the similes for “not understanding” that you learned. Make sure the new sentence still makes sense and sounds natural.
Sentences to Rewrite
- Sarah didn’t know how to answer the question on the math test.
- Timmy felt unsure when the teacher asked him to explain the story.
- The teacher’s explanation was so hard to follow.
- Mia was confused during the science experiment.
- Jack couldn’t find his way to the classroom.
- The puzzle was so difficult, I couldn’t figure it out.
- Emma had no idea how to play the new game.
- John was lost while reading the long instructions.
- Lily didn’t know where to sit during the class activity.
- Noah had trouble solving the riddle.
Answer Key
- Sarah felt like a deer caught in headlights when she didn’t know how to answer the question on the math test.
- Timmy was as confused as a cat in water when the teacher asked him to explain the story.
- The teacher’s explanation was as hard to follow as a ship lost at sea.
- Mia felt like a fish out of water during the science experiment.
- Jack was as lost as a tourist in a new city when he couldn’t find his way to the classroom.
- The puzzle was as hard as finding a needle in a haystack when I couldn’t figure it out.
- Emma was like a bird that lost its way when she had no idea how to play the new game.
- John felt like a hamster on a wheel while reading the long instructions.
- Lily was as confused as a puppy with no collar when she didn’t know where to sit during the class activity.
- Noah was like a deer caught in headlights when he had trouble solving the riddle.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored many fun similes that help express the feeling of not understanding something. These similes make it easier to explain confusion or uncertainty in a creative way. Instead of just saying, “I don’t understand,” we can use similes to paint a more vivid picture of how it feels when we don’t know what’s going on.
By using similes like “as confused as a dog in a new house” or “like a deer caught in headlights,” you can share your feelings and experiences in a way that’s both clear and engaging. The more you practice, the easier it will be to use these similes naturally in everyday conversations. Keep experimenting with them, and soon you’ll be able to express yourself more creatively!
