We’ve all heard the saying “like white on rice,” which is a colorful expression that paints the image of how closely two things go together. However, life would be too boring if we stuck to the same sayings all the time, wouldn’t it?
Humor thrives in the unexpected, and that’s why funny sayings have become a cherished part of everyday conversations. They bring a smile, and a dash of wit to even the simplest moments.
In this article, I’ll explore 15 sayings that are as hilarious and amusing as “like white on rice.” Each saying is followed by explanations, so you can incorporate them into conversations and add some fun to your day.
From sarcasm to deep humor, there’s something here for every kind of situation that calls for a bit of humor.
Ready? Let’s dive right into the article.
15 Funny Sayings Like “White on Rice”
- Tight as a Tick
- Like a Squirrel on Espresso
- All Hat and No Cattle
- Busier Than a One-Legged Man in a Kicking Contest
- Slicker Than a Buttered Pig
- Madder Than a Wet Hen
- Happy as a Clam at High Tide
- Like Trying to Nail Jelly to a Wall
- Grinning Like a Possum Eating Persimmons
- About as Useful as a Screen Door on a Submarine
- Faster Than a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
- Sharp as a Bag of Marbles
- Like Herding Cats
- Colder Than a Witch’s Kiss
- Happier Than a Dog with Two Tails
Tight as a Tick
This phrase is often used to describe someone or something that’s really stingy or overly attached. Think of a tick holding on tight to its host, and you’ll get the idea accurately.
Example 1: Financial Savers
- After watching Dave at the grocery store, you’d think he was tight as a tick. You need to see how he argued with the cashier over a two-cent discount.
Example 2: Relationship Clinginess
- She’s tight as a tick when it comes to her boyfriend. The guy can’t even breathe without her knowing.
Like a Squirrel on Espresso
When someone is overly energetic or just bouncing off the walls, this phrase is use to describe such a person, and it is a perfect match for them. It paints a picture of hyperactivity that’s hard to ignore.
Example 1: Hyperactive Kids [Casual]
- Those kids at the birthday party were like squirrels on espresso; they didn’t sit still for a second
Example 2: Monday Morning Energy [Sarcastic].
- Who knew Jeff could be like a squirrel on espresso after one cup of coffee? It’s almost like he’s running on fast-forward.
All Hat and No Cattle
This saying refers to someone who talks big but has nothing to back it up, like a cowboy with a fancy hat but no cattle to show for it. It’s a subtle way to shade someone.
Example 1: Workplace Braggers [Informal]
- “He keeps talking about his big plans for a startup, but he’s all hat and no cattle. Still haven’t made a website.
Example 2: Witty
- She’s all hat and no cattle when it comes to poker, always bluffing but never winning a hand.
Busier Than a One-Legged Man in a Kicking Contest
This is a funny way to describe someone who is extremely busy or overwhelmed, as it conjures up a humorous, yet chaotic image.
Example 1: Juggling Errands [Casual]
- I swear, this week I’ve been busier than a one-legged man in a kicking contest. Just trying to keep up with everything.
Example 2: Managing a Project [Sarcastic]
- Steve’s been busier than a one-legged man in a kicking contest ever since he became the project lead. Should we remind him to breathe?
Slicker Than a Buttered Pig
This phrase is used to describe something or someone that’s incredibly slippery or hard to catch. It’s a vivid image that’s sure to get a chuckle from everyone listening.
Example 1: Evading Questions [Witty]
- Trying to get a straight answer from him is like chasing after a buttered pig. He’s that slick. (Suitable for a friend who isn’t straightforward.)
Example 2: Escaping Responsibilities [Sarcastic]
- Liam is slicker than a buttered pig when it comes to avoiding chores at home. Blink, and he’s gone.
- (Suitable for your lazy siblings who dislike doing house chores).
Madder Than a Wet Hen
This phrase is ideal when someone is fuming with anger. It draws from the idea that a hen who gets soaked becomes quite agitated.
Example 1:
- After that car cut him off, Joe was madder than a wet hen. I thought his head might explode.
Example 2:
- She got madder than a wet hen when her refund didn’t go through. I felt sorry for the poor cashier.
Happy as a Clam at High Tide
This saying highlights someone who is extremely happy or content. Clams are safe from predators at high tide, so the saying implies a state of ease and joy.
Example 1: After a Good Meal [Casual]
- After devouring that triple cheeseburger, he looked happy as a clam at high tide.
Example 2: Retirement Bliss [Witty]
- “Since retiring, my grandpa has been happy as a clam at high tide, fishing all day without a care in the world.
Like Trying to Nail Jelly to a Wall
This phrase is perfect for situations that are frustratingly impossible. It’s a colorful way of expressing the futility of an effort.
Example 1: Explaining Technology to Parents [Sarcastic]
- Trying to teach my mom how to use her smartphone is like trying to nail jelly to a wall. It’s a losing battle.
Example 2: Getting Kids to Clean [Casual]
- Getting my kids to pick up their toys is like trying to nail jelly to a wall…they just don’t get it!
Grinning Like a Possum Eating Persimmons
This phrase describes someone smiling widely, though often in a mischievous or smug way. It’s based on the image of a possum enjoying a treat.
Example 1: Winning a Bet [Witty]
- After he won the bet, he was grinning like a possum eating persimmons. Didn’t waste a second rubbing it in.
Example 2: Secretly Proud [Sarcastic]
- She was grinning like a possum eating persimmons after sneaking the last piece of cake. Like she just pulled off a heist.
About as Useful as a Screen Door on a Submarine
This saying humorously points out something or someone that is completely useless, creating a vivid image of the impracticality.
Example 1: Faulty Gadgets [Informal]
- That old phone of mine is about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. It crashes every five minutes.
Example 2: Unhelpful Advice [Witty]
- His advice on how to save money was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine; buying a yacht isn’t really in my budget.
Faster Than a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
This phrase captures the image of a cat trying to escape a scorching hot surface that is quick, frantic, and desperate to move. It’s used to describe someone or something moving at an impressively rapid pace.
Example 1: (Informal)
- When the alarm went off, he bolted out of bed faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. You’d think the floor was lava.
Example 2: (Sarcastic)
- She rushed through her presentation faster than a cat on a hot tin roof. Too bad her ideas didn’t catch on as quickly.
Sharp as a Bag of Marbles
This saying is a sarcastic way of describing someone who isn’t particularly quick-witted or intelligent. It paints a funny picture, as a bag of marbles isn’t exactly known for its sharpness.
Example 1: (Casual)
- Bless his heart, he’s about as sharp as a bag of marbles when it comes to directions.
Example 2: (Witty)
- She tried to solve that math problem, but it turns out she’s as sharp as a bag of marbles. Let’s just say, math isn’t her strong suit.
Like Herding Cats
This expression describes the struggle of trying to coordinate or control a chaotic group. It’s humorous because the idea of herding cats known for their independent nature is nearly impossible.
Example 1: (Casual)
- Trying to get my siblings to agree on where to eat is like herding cats. Everyone has a different idea.
Example 2: (Sarcastic)
- Organizing this team meeting was like herding cats, every time I turned around, someone had a new complaint or question.
Colder Than a Witch’s Kiss
This saying is perfect for those icy moments or freezing temperatures. It adds a humorous twist to the idea of something being cold, and chilly.
Example 1: (Witty)
- The AC in the office is colder than a witch’s kiss, I can barely feel my fingers.
Example 2: (Casual)
- Her response to my suggestion was colder than a witch’s kiss. Guess she’s not a fan of my ideas.
Happier Than a Dog with Two Tails
Dogs are already known for their joyful nature, so imagining one with two tails doubles the excitement. This saying is used to describe someone who is extremely happy or content.
If you have a friend who has a bubbly personality then this phrase is suitable to use for such a person.
Example 1: (Informal)
- After finding out he got the job, he was happier than a dog with two tails. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile that wide
Example 2: (Playful)
- She was happier than a dog with two tails when she saw the surprise party. You’d think she’d just won the lottery
Takeaway
Funny sayings like “white on rice” add a playful, colorful touch to our everyday conversations, injecting humor, wit, and sarcasm when the moment calls for it.
They’re those absurd phrases that can lighten the mood, bring a smile, or perfectly capture a situation in a way that more straightforward language just can’t.
These expressions are more than just words, they’re cultural snapshots that capture human experiences, observations, and, of course, our love for clever wordplay.
Whether you’re using them to add spices to your social media posts or simply want to entertain friends during a conversation, these funny sayings can make your language as dynamic as they are.
So, the next time you’re looking for a creative way to describe a situation, remember these phrases and keep the laughter going.
