The simile “as weak as a baby” vividly conveys a state of extreme physical weakness or frailty. The comparison to a baby emphasizes vulnerability, as infants are often viewed as delicate and lacking in physical strength.
Meaning of “as weak as a baby”
This phrase is used to describe someone who is:
Physically very weak
It highlights a lack of strength, often due to illness, fatigue, or other debilitating factors.
Example:
“Six weeks of illness left the athlete as weak as a baby.”
Overwhelmed by conditions
It can also describe a person who feels enervated by external factors, such as heat or stress.
Example:
“Hot, humid weather like this always makes me feel weak as a baby.”
Examples of “as weak as a baby” in context
After illness or injury:
“After surgery, she felt as weak as a baby for several days.”
“The long recovery period left him weak as a baby.”
Due to weather or fatigue:
“The scorching sun made me as weak as a baby by noon.”
“After running the marathon, she was weak as a baby and needed help walking.”
Overwhelmed by emotions:
“When she heard the bad news, she felt as weak as a baby, unable to stand.”
Similar expressions for “as weak as a baby”
“As frail as a leaf”: Highlights physical fragility.
Example:
“After the fever, he was as frail as a leaf.”
“As helpless as a newborn”: Emphasizes an inability to act or defend oneself.
Example:
“She felt as helpless as a newborn when the storm hit.”
“Weaker than water”: Suggests extreme physical or emotional weakness.
Example:
“He was weaker than water after his long journey.”
The expression “as weak as a baby” is a powerful way to describe moments of vulnerability or frailty, drawing on the universal image of a baby’s lack of strength. Its vividness makes it a commonly used phrase in everyday language.
