The idiom “(as) slow as molasses in January” is a humorous way to describe someone or something moving extremely slowly. This expression paints a vivid picture of molasses—a thick, sticky syrup—flowing even more sluggishly in the cold of January.
Meaning of “(as) slow as molasses in January“
This phrase conveys the idea of:
- Extreme Slowness: Moving or acting at a painfully slow pace.
- Inefficiency: Taking more time than necessary to complete something.
Examples:
“The repairman worked as slow as molasses in January, and it took him all day to fix the sink.”
“Traffic was slower than molasses in January during the morning rush hour.”
Examples of ”(as) slow as molasses in January” in sentences
“Can’t you hurry up? You’re as slow as molasses in January today!”
“The old computer booted up slower than molasses in January.“
“Her progress on the project was as slow as molasses in January, but she finally finished it.”
Synonyms for “(as) slow as molasses in January“
Here are some alternative expressions with similar meanings:
- As slow as a turtle
- As sluggish as a snail
- Slow as a crawl
- Slower than a glacier
How to use “(as) slow as molasses in January“
In everyday conversations
“The service at that restaurant is as slow as molasses in January.“
“Hurry up and finish your homework! You’re slower than molasses in January.“
In writing or storytelling
“The team’s progress on the project was as slow as molasses in January, frustrating everyone involved.”
“The elderly man walked slower than molasses in January, but he eventually made it to the park.”
