The idiom “as thick as pea soup” is a colorful way to describe something that is very thick, dense, or difficult to see through. It is most commonly used to refer to liquids or fog, emphasizing their extreme viscosity or opacity.
Meaning of “as thick as pea soup”
Dense and difficult to penetrate
Used to describe something so thick that it resembles the consistency of pea soup.
Example:
“This fog is as thick as pea soup—I can barely see two feet ahead.”
Rich and heavy in texture
Often applied to liquids that are unusually dense.
Example:
“This coffee is strong and thick as pea soup; it’s almost like syrup.”
Origin of “as thick as pea soup”
The phrase originates from the dense and creamy texture of traditional pea soup, which is made with pureed peas and is often so thick that it is nearly opaque. Its visual and physical qualities made it an apt comparison for describing foggy weather or other thick substances.
Examples of usage for “as thick as pea soup”
Describing fog:
Often used in meteorological or conversational contexts to describe heavy fog.
“Driving through the countryside was a challenge because the fog was as thick as pea soup.”
Referring to liquids:
Used for beverages or substances that are exceptionally thick or strong.
“This stew is hearty—it’s as thick as pea soup!”
Metaphorical usage:
Can also imply density in a figurative sense, such as an impenetrable atmosphere or situation.
“The tension in the room was as thick as pea soup.”
Similar expressions
“Thick as molasses”: Refers to something very slow or dense, often metaphorically.
“Traffic was thick as molasses this morning.”
“Dense as a wall”: A metaphorical description of impenetrability.
“The forest was dense as a wall, impossible to navigate.”
“Heavy as a blanket”: Often used to describe oppressive fog or air.
“The humidity hung in the air, heavy as a blanket.”
The idiom “as thick as pea soup” is a vivid and relatable way to describe density or heaviness, whether literal or figurative. Its evocative imagery ensures its lasting appeal in describing anything from foggy weather to rich liquids or even tense atmospheres.
