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Similes are fun figures of speech that compare two different things using the words like or as. People use them every day to make speaking and writing much more colorful and exciting. In this article, you will learn fifty special expressions connected to items or people being handed from person to person.
In this lesson, we’ll look at similes that mean moving hand to hand or circulating quickly. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.
Similes for Being Passed Around
1. Like a hot potato
Definition: An object or problem that nobody wants to hold onto for long, so it gets tossed away fast.
Used in a Sentence: When the tricky homework question proved too hard, we passed the worksheet around like a hot potato. / The broken toy car was tossed from cousin to cousin like a hot potato.
Similar Expressions: Unwanted item / Tossed object
2. Like a baton in a relay race
Definition: Handed smoothly from one runner to the next in a coordinated team effort.
Used in a Sentence: The project folder was passed between teammates like a baton in a relay race. / Leadership of the club transferred from senior to junior like a baton in a relay race.
Similar Expressions: Handed token / Passed stick
3. Like a soccer ball on the field
Definition: Kicked and passed quickly back and forth among various players during a game.
Used in a Sentence: During recess, the new comic book was passed around the playground like a soccer ball on the field. / The rumor bounced between students like a soccer ball on the field.
Similar Expressions: Bounced item / Kicked object
4. As circulated as a library book
Definition: An item that gets handed to many different readers over and over again.
Used in a Sentence: The popular graphic novel became as circulated as a library book among all our friends. / That funny note was passed through every desk as circulated as a library book.
Similar Expressions: Well-read item / Shared book
5. Like a basketball on the court
Definition: Dabbled and tossed rapidly from teammate to teammate during a fast play.
Used in a Sentence: The tray of cookies vanished quickly as it was passed down the bench like a basketball on the court. / The gossip flew across the cafeteria like a basketball on the court.
Similar Expressions: Tapped item / Bouncing object
6. Like a football during a fumble
Definition: Dropped, scrambled for, and handed about frantically in a chaotic scramble.
Used in a Sentence: The last slice of pizza was grabbed and passed around the table like a football during a fumble. / The remote control bounced between siblings like a football during a fumble.
Similar Expressions: Scrambled item / Tossed prize
7. As shared as a plate of cookies
Definition: Something delicious or interesting that everyone gets a chance to sample and pass along.
Used in a Sentence: The funny vacation photos were passed around the family living room as shared as a plate of cookies. / The cool new gadget was handed down the bus aisle as shared as a plate of cookies.
Similar Expressions: Common dish / Handed treat
8. Like a hot brick in a winter game
Definition: A heavy or warm item that people hurry to hand off to someone else.
Used in a Sentence: The heavy box of heavy textbooks was passed down the truck ramp like a hot brick. / The glowing campfire marshmallow stick was handed back quickly like a hot brick.
Similar Expressions: Fast transfer / Quick handoff
9. Like a hot horseshoe
Definition: An object that is tricky to hold for long, prompting a quick handoff to a peer.
Used in a Sentence: The difficult chore list was passed among the roommates like a hot horseshoe. / Nobody wanted to keep the broken controller, so it circulated like a hot horseshoe.
Similar Expressions: Quick pass / Hot item
10. As tossed about as a beach ball
Definition: Bounced through the air from person to person in a playful or careless manner.
Used in a Sentence: The inflatable globe in geography class was passed around the room as tossed about as a beach ball. / The silly excuse went from friend to friend as tossed about as a beach ball.
Similar Expressions: Bounced toy / Floating sphere
11. Like a bowling ball down an alley
Definition: Moving in a straight line from hand to hand down a long row of people.
Used in a Sentence: The attendance sheet slid down the row of student desks like a bowling ball down an alley. / The payment envelope traveled down the bus seats like a rolling ball.
Similar Expressions: Sliding item / Direct roll
12. As handed down as heirloom silver
Definition: An object passed generation after generation through family hands.
Used in a Sentence: The old pocket watch was passed from father to son as handed down as heirloom silver. / The secret brownie recipe was circulated among relatives as handed down as heirloom silver.
Similar Expressions: Relic transfer / Family handoff
13. Like a tennis ball in a rally
Definition: Hit back and forth rapidly between two opposing sides.
Used in a Sentence: The argument over who chose the movie bounced between them like a tennis ball in a rally. / The note went back and forth across the aisle like a tennis ball in a rally.
Similar Expressions: Back-and-forth toss / Rallied item
14. As common as a dollar bill changing hands
Definition: Something that circulates constantly through everyday commerce and handling.
Used in a Sentence: That popular joke became as common as a dollar bill changing hands among students. / The pen went from desk to desk as common as a dollar bill changing hands.
Similar Expressions: Circulating cash / Common currency
15. Like a frisbee at a park
Definition: Flung through the air from one person to another across an open space.
Used in a Sentence: The rolled-up poster was tossed across the art room like a frisbee at a park. / The spare eraser flew across the classroom like a frisbee at a park.
Similar Expressions: Thrown disk / Airborne toss
16. As tossed as a salad in a bowl
Definition: Mixed up thoroughly and handed around in a scrambled, disordered fashion.
Used in a Sentence: The mixed deck of playing cards was passed around the circle as tossed as a salad in a bowl. / The group project notes were circulated around the table as tossed as a salad in a bowl.
Similar Expressions: Scrambled mix / Tossed bundle
17. Like a hockey puck on ice
Definition: Slid swiftly across a smooth surface from one person to another.
Used in a Sentence: The clipboard slid across the smooth cafeteria table like a hockey puck on ice. / The signed permission slip skimmed across the desk like a puck on ice.
Similar Expressions: Sliding disk / Skimming item
18. As shared as community garden tools
Definition: Equipment that rotates regularly among different workers as needed.
Used in a Sentence: The pair of sharp scissors was passed from desk to desk as shared as community garden tools. / The extra calculator circulated around the math class as shared as tools.
Similar Expressions: Rotated gear / Shared equipment
19. Like a volleyball over a net
Definition: Tapped upward and sent across to another group of people repeatedly.
Used in a Sentence: The funny rumor was tossed back and forth across the study hall like a volleyball over a net. / The suggestion bounced between departments like a volleyball over a net.
Similar Expressions: Tapped item / Returned toss
20. As passed around as rumor mill gossip
Information or items that circulate instantly through every corner of a community.
Used in a Sentence: The secret birthday invitation was as passed around as rumor mill gossip. / That viral video link became as passed around as rumor mill gossip in school.
Similar Expressions: Viral share / Circulated talk
21. Like a parcel in a game of hot potato
Definition: A wrapped package handed rapidly around a circle of participants before music stops.
Used in a Sentence: The birthday gift box circulated among the guests like a parcel in a game of hot potato. / The registration form was handed down the row like a parcel in a game.
Similar Expressions: Gift package / Handed box
22. As circulated as a circulating petition
Definition: A document that requires signatures from many hands, traveling widely.
Used in a Sentence: The school club signup sheet was as circulated as a petition across the hallway. / The permission slip went from student to student as circulated as a petition.
Similar Expressions: Signed paper / Widely passed sheet
23. Like a rolling stone gathering moss
Definition: An item that moves continuously from place to place without staying put.
Used in a Sentence: The portable flash drive rolled from backpack to backpack like a stray stone. / That lost jacket wandered through the lost-and-found like a rolling stone.
Similar Expressions: Wandering item / Moving object
24. As handled as a well-worn baseball glove
Definition: An object touched, broken in, and passed between many hands over time.
Used in a Sentence: The community football was as handled as a well-worn baseball glove by the neighborhood kids. / The classroom dictionary was as handled as an old baseball glove.
Similar Expressions: Worn item / Touched gear
25. Like a boomerang returning to sender
Definition: An item passed away to someone else, only to circle back to the original owner.
Used in a Sentence: My lost red pen bounced through three classmates before returning like a boomerang. / The stray jacket traveled around the playground like a boomerang.
Similar Expressions: Circling item / Returning object
26. As shared as a campfire marshmallow stick
Definition: A tool or treat handed around a group gathered closely together.
Used in a Sentence: The bag of popcorn was passed around the movie circle as shared as a campfire stick. / The flashlight circulated around the tent as shared as a campfire tool.
Similar Expressions: Group item / Campfire tool
27. Like a baton passed in a midnight relay
Definition: A quick, silent handoff of an item in the dark or under cover of secrecy.
Used in a Sentence: The secret note slipped from hand to hand under the desk like a baton in a relay. / The backstage pass circulated among friends like a midnight relay baton.
Similar Expressions: Secret handoff / Hidden pass
28. As circulated as dollar bills in a vending machine
Definition: Money or items that pass through many hands every single day.
Used in a Sentence: Quarters for the arcade game were as circulated as dollar bills in a vending machine. / The box of chalk went from classroom to classroom as circulated as cash.
Similar Expressions: Common currency / Active trade
29. Like a loose marble rolling across a hardwood floor
Definition: An item that slips from hand to hand and rolls away unpredictably.
Used in a Sentence: The small glass bead bounced between cousins like a loose marble on the floor. / The spare guitar pick slipped through fingers like a marble rolling across a floor.
Similar Expressions: Slipping item / Rolling bead
30. As handed down as royal crown jewels
Definition: Valued items passed with great care from person to person down the line.
Used in a Sentence: The championship game jersey was as handed down as royal crown jewels among team seniors. / The vintage comic book was circulated as treasured as crown jewels.
Similar Expressions: Treasured handoff / Valued relay
31. Like a baton tossed in a marching band parade
Definition: Thirled and handed through the air in an eye-catching, shared routine.
Used in a Sentence: The prop sword in drama class was passed across the stage like a baton in a parade. / The leadership role circulated among actors like a prop baton.
Similar Expressions: Thrown prop / Parade item
32. As shared as a slice of party cake
Definition: Something divided up and handed around eagerly to every person present.
Used in a Sentence: The box of holiday chocolates was as shared as a slice of party cake among coworkers. / The funny meme was passed around the room as shared as birthday cake.
Similar Expressions: Divided treat / Group portion
33. Like a rolling snowball gathering speed
Definition: An item or rumor that gets handed to more and more people rapidly.
Used in a Sentence: The petition paper collected signatures, passing through hands like a rolling snowball. / The fun idea circulated across the grade like a snowball gathering speed.
Similar Expressions: Expanding pass / Growing circle
34. As circulated as a daily morning newspaper
Definition: Information or items that pass through every household or desk each morning.
Used in a Sentence: The school announcement sheet was as circulated as a morning newspaper. / The classroom newsletter went from desk to desk as circulated as a daily paper.
Similar Expressions: Daily print / Read sheet
35. Like a baton in an Olympic sprint
Definition: Transferred at top speed from one swift handler to the next.
Used in a Sentence: The urgent message was passed between office workers like a baton in an Olympic sprint. / The game controller flew across the couch like an Olympic baton.
Similar Expressions: Fast relay / Swift transfer
36. As shared as a pair of playground binoculars
Definition: An optical tool or cool gadget that everyone takes turns using and passing along.
Used in a Sentence: The magnifying glass during science lab was as shared as a pair of playground binoculars. / The pocket telescope circulated among hikers like shared gear.
Similar Expressions: Shared tool / Rotated instrument
37. Like a football during a wild kickoff return
Definition: Carried fast through a crowd with multiple quick handoffs along the way.
Used in a Sentence: The signed autograph basketball was passed down the row like a football on a kickoff. / The tray of snacks traveled through the bleachers like a game ball.
Similar Expressions: Rushed item / Fast handoff
38. As circulated as a popular trading card
Definition: A collectible item that travels through every kid’s backpack in school.
Used in a Sentence: That rare monster card became as circulated as a popular trading card at recess. / The shiny sticker went from binder to binder as circulated as a trading card.
Similar Expressions: Traded item / Popular card
39. Like a hot brick fresh from the kiln
Definition: An item handed off with caution and speed because it is too intense to keep.
Used in a Sentence: The heavy hot tray of pottery was passed down the workbench like a brick from a kiln. / The sizzling fajita skillet circulated among waiters like a hot brick.
Similar Expressions: Warm transfer / Fast handoff
40. As shared as a communal umbrella on a rainy day
Definition: A practical item that rotates among different people when needed.
Used in a Sentence: The spare rain poncho was as shared as a communal umbrella on a rainy day. / The lobby umbrella circulated among students as shared as community gear.
Similar Expressions: Rotated shield / Shared shelter
41. Like a basketball at a charity free-throw line
Definition: Handed to a player briefly before being tossed along to the next person.
Used in a Sentence: The microphone during assembly was passed from speaker to speaker like a basketball at a free-throw line. / The award plaque circulated like a game ball.
Similar Expressions: Handed sphere / Tossed prize
42. As circulated as a viral internet meme
Definition: Digital or physical jokes that pass through every phone screen in minutes.
Used in a Sentence: The funny drawing of the teacher became as circulated as a viral internet meme. / The joke note was passed around the desks as circulated as a meme.
Similar Expressions: Viral share / Passed joke
43. Like a tennis ball hit over a high fence
Definition: Sent across a barrier repeatedly from one side to the other.
Used in a Sentence: The playground rules complaint went back and forth between classes like a tennis ball over a fence. / The petition went across grades like a tossed ball.
Similar Expressions: Crossed item / Returned pass
44. As shared as a bowl of popcorn at the movies
Definition: A snack or item passed casually down a dark row of seats.
Used in a Sentence: The bag of candy in the theater was as shared as a bowl of popcorn at the movies. / The snack container circulated through our row as shared as theater popcorn.
Similar Expressions: Snack pass / Row treat
45. Like a hockey puck slapped across the rink
Definition: Sent sliding rapidly across a wide floor from hand to hand.
Used in a Sentence: The oversized drawing pad slid across the smooth studio floor like a hockey puck across the rink. / The rolled blueprint skimmed across the desk like a puck.
Similar Expressions: Sliding item / Skimming disk
46. As circulated as an open textbook page
Definition: Text or diagrams shared openly among students sitting at the same table.
Used in a Sentence: The diagram sheet remained as circulated as an open textbook page during study group. / The map drawing went around the table as circulated as a page.
Similar Expressions: Shared sheet / Open text
47. Like a soccer ball during penalty kicks
Definition: Handed to a single person briefly before moving down the line to the next.
Used in a Sentence: The trophy was held by each player in turn like a soccer ball during penalty kicks. / The certificate circulated through the team like a game ball.
Similar Expressions: Line item / Rotated prize
48. As shared as a family photo album
Definition: A treasured book of pictures passed among relatives during holiday gatherings.
Used in a Sentence: The baby picture book was as shared as a family photo album around the Thanksgiving table. / The scrapbook circulated through the reunion as shared as old photos.
Similar Expressions: Photo pass / Family book
49. Like a baton in a nighttime sprint
Definition: Passed swiftly through hands in the dark during a fast-moving game.
Used in a Sentence: The flashlight during the camp ghost story circulated like a baton in a nighttime sprint. / The secret map was handed down the line like a night relay baton.
Similar Expressions: Dark transfer / Swift handoff
50. As circulated as a school hallway hall pass
Definition: A required card or object that travels constantly from student to student all day.
Used in a Sentence: The wooden restroom block was as circulated as a school hallway hall pass. / The teacher’s special hall pass went from pocket to pocket as circulated as daily passes.
Similar Expressions: Daily pass / Traveling tag
Exercise to Practice
- When the tricky homework question proved too hard, we passed the worksheet around like a hot potato.
- The project folder was passed between teammates like a baton in a relay race.
- During recess, the new comic book was passed around the playground like a barking puppy.
- The popular graphic novel became as circulated as a library book among all our friends.
- The tray of cookies vanished quickly as it was passed down the bench like a basketball on the court.
- The last slice of pizza was grabbed and passed around the table like a football during a fumble.
- The funny vacation photos were passed around the family living room as shared as a plate of cookies.
- The heavy box of heavy textbooks was passed down the truck ramp like a hot brick.
- The difficult chore list was passed among the roommates like a hot horseshoe.
- The inflatable globe in geography class was passed around the room as tossed about as a beach ball.
- The attendance sheet slid down the row of student desks like a fluffy white cloud.
- The old pocket watch was passed from father to son as handed down as heirloom silver.
- The argument over who chose the movie bounced between them like a tennis ball in a rally.
- That popular joke became as common as a dollar bill changing hands among students.
- The rolled-up poster was tossed across the art room like a roaring lawnmower.
Answer Key
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
Conclusion
Learning these similes helps you understand English much better and gives you fun new ways to talk about items or people being passed around. You can use them when describing sports relays, shared classroom supplies, or fun games with your friends and family.
Try using one or two of these expressions in a conversation or a story this week. Not only will your writing sound more exciting, but you will also have fun practicing your new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common similes for being passed around?
Some common similes include like a hot potato, like a baton in a relay race, and like a soccer ball on the field. These expressions are often used in everyday conversation to describe items or tasks moving from hand to hand.
Why do we use similes in English?
Similes make our language much more colorful, expressive, and fun than using plain words. They help us share big ideas and feelings by making clear comparisons using like or as.
How can I learn these similes faster?
You can learn similes faster by using them in daily sentences, writing short stories, and practicing with a friend. Making flashcards with pictures can also help you remember what each phrase means.
Are similes used in everyday conversation?
Yes, native English speakers use similes all the time during casual chats, television shows, and books. Learning them helps you understand jokes, stories, and conversations much more naturally.
Can similes have more than one meaning?
Most similes have one main accepted meaning, but how people use them can vary slightly depending on the context. Reading example sentences helps you see the exact way each phrase works.
