Similes for attempted are effective tools in writing that help convey effort, effortfulness, or the act of trying in vivid, relatable ways. Instead of simply saying someone attempted something, these similes use figurative language—like being as tentative as a cat approaching a new toy or as cautious as a child learning to ride a bike—to make your descriptions more engaging and relatable.
Whether you’re writing a story, a personal reflection, or a motivational post, using creative and emotionally rich similes for attempted can turn ordinary sentences into expressive, memorable narratives.
This article will explore 35 similes for attempted with clear meanings, real-life examples, and fun alternatives to spark creativity and elevate the emotional tone of your writing.
As Attempted as Simile Examples
1. As attempted as a half-baked cake
Meaning: Something that was attempted but was not fully thought through or executed properly.
Example Sentences:
- “His plan to fix the car was attempted like a half-baked cake—nothing came together.”
- “She attempted the recipe like a half-baked cake, and it turned out a disaster.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a rushed project. ⏳
- Attempted like an unfinished puzzle. 🧩
2. Attempted like a bird learning to fly
Meaning: Trying something new with little experience or success.
Example Sentences:
- “He attempted to run the business like a bird learning to fly, unsure and clumsy.”
- “Her speech was attempted like a bird learning to fly, full of wobbles and stumbles.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a toddler walking. 🚶
- Attempted like a fish out of water. 🐟
3. Attempted like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces
Meaning: A failed or incomplete attempt, lacking key elements.
Example Sentences:
- “His explanation was attempted like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces—nothing made sense.”
- “She attempted to organize the event like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces, leaving gaps everywhere.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a broken blueprint. 🗺️
- Attempted like a recipe with key ingredients missing. 🍽️
4. Attempted like a car with no fuel
Meaning: An attempt that lacked the necessary energy or resources to succeed.
Example Sentences:
- “Her effort to complete the project was like a car with no fuel, just not moving forward.”
- “He attempted the climb like a car with no fuel, barely getting off the ground.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a battery on 1%. 🔋
- Attempted like a phone with no signal. 📱
5. Attempted like a candle in the wind
Meaning: A fragile or easily extinguished attempt.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt at persuading the crowd was like a candle in the wind—quickly blown out.”
- “She tried to keep the conversation going like a candle in the wind, but it flickered and died.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a leaf in a storm. 🍃
- Attempted like a match in the rain. 🕯️
6. Attempted like a ship lost at sea
Meaning: An attempt made without direction or clarity.
Example Sentences:
- “His career plans were attempted like a ship lost at sea, drifting without purpose.”
- “She attempted the test like a ship lost at sea, unsure of where to go.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a blindfolded driver. 🚗
- Attempted like a compass without a needle. 🧭
7. Attempted like a rock skipping on water
Meaning: A brief or shallow attempt, lacking depth.
Example Sentences:
- “His effort to fix the problem was attempted like a rock skipping on water—just skimming the surface.”
- “She attempted the workout like a rock skipping on water, not putting in enough effort.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a quick glance. 👀
- Attempted like a half-hearted wave. 🌊
8. Attempted like a painter with no canvas
Meaning: Trying to do something without the necessary tools or resources.
Example Sentences:
- “He attempted to build the website like a painter with no canvas, unsure where to start.”
- “She attempted the dance routine like a painter with no canvas, lacking direction.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a musician with no instrument. 🎸
- Attempted like a chef without ingredients. 🍳
9. Attempted like a marathon runner without training
Meaning: An attempt that is made without proper preparation or readiness.
Example Sentences:
- “His speech was attempted like a marathon runner without training, stumbling through every word.”
- “She attempted the test like a marathon runner without training, struggling to finish.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a swimmer in a dry pool. 🏊
- Attempted like a boxer with no gloves. 🥊
10. Attempted like a tree in a storm
Meaning: An attempt that is challenged by external forces.
Example Sentences:
- “His efforts to stay calm were attempted like a tree in a storm, bending under pressure.”
- “She attempted the negotiation like a tree in a storm, withstanding every gust of challenge.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a kite in a hurricane. 🪁
- Attempted like a house in an earthquake. 🏚️
11. Attempted like a butterfly trying to lift a rock
Meaning: An attempt that is clearly impossible or beyond one’s abilities.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to carry all the bags at once was like a butterfly trying to lift a rock.”
- “She attempted to convince him like a butterfly trying to lift a rock—impossible!”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a squirrel trying to move a boulder. 🐿️
- Attempted like a mouse trying to move a mountain. 🐭
12. Attempted like a clock without hands
Meaning: A pointless or directionless attempt.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to manage the project was like a clock without hands—no sense of time.”
- “She attempted the task like a clock without hands, unsure when it would end.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a compass without direction. 🧭
- Attempted like a map with no roads. 🗺️
13. Attempted like a candle that never melts
Meaning: A futile or unsuccessful attempt.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to win her heart was like a candle that never melts, never getting anywhere.”
- “She attempted to solve the puzzle like a candle that never melts—just stuck.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a plant that refuses to grow. 🌱
- Attempted like a fire that won’t light. 🔥
14. Attempted like a car with square wheels
Meaning: An attempt that’s doomed to fail because of poor execution or planning.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to run the event was like a car with square wheels—nothing was rolling smoothly.”
- “She attempted the idea like a car with square wheels, unable to get anywhere.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a boat with holes. 🚤
- Attempted like a plane with no wings. ✈️
15. Attempted like a seed in barren soil
Meaning: An attempt that has no chance of growing or succeeding.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to change the company culture was like a seed in barren soil, with no hope of sprouting.”
- “She attempted to start a conversation like a seed in barren soil, struggling to grow.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a fire in a snowstorm. ❄️
- Attempted like a plant in the desert. 🌵
16. Attempted like a paper boat in a storm
Meaning: An attempt that is fragile and unable to withstand challenges.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to resolve the issue was like a paper boat in a storm—quickly swept away.”
- “She attempted to keep calm during the argument like a paper boat in a storm, but the pressure was too much.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a sandcastle at high tide. 🏖️
- Attempted like a leaf in a hurricane. 🍂
17. Attempted like a blindfolded archer
Meaning: An attempt made with little or no direction or preparation.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to fix the machine was like a blindfolded archer, shooting in the dark.”
- “She attempted to organize the event like a blindfolded archer, not knowing where to aim.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a sailor without a map. 🚢
- Attempted like a dancer with two left feet. 💃
18. Attempted like a squirrel on a tightrope
Meaning: An attempt made with great risk or instability.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to negotiate was like a squirrel on a tightrope, constantly wobbling and unsure.”
- “She attempted to speak in public like a squirrel on a tightrope, nervously balancing her words.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a climber without ropes. 🧗
- Attempted like a surfer on a broken board. 🏄
19. Attempted like a fish trying to climb a tree
Meaning: An attempt that is completely out of place or impossible.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to become an artist was like a fish trying to climb a tree—completely mismatched.”
- “She attempted to run the marathon like a fish trying to climb a tree, struggling every step of the way.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a cat trying to fly. 🐱
- Attempted like a rabbit trying to roar. 🐇
20. Attempted like a magician without tricks
Meaning: An attempt made without the necessary skills or resources.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to impress the audience was like a magician without tricks—nothing to show.”
- “She attempted to solve the problem like a magician without tricks, unable to find a solution.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a chef with no ingredients. 🍴
- Attempted like a musician without an instrument. 🎻
21. Attempted like a knight without armor
Meaning: An attempt made without the necessary protection or preparation.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to confront the boss was like a knight without armor, vulnerable and unprepared.”
- “She attempted the challenge like a knight without armor, facing the difficulties unprotected.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a soldier without weapons. 🪖
- Attempted like a runner with no shoes. 👟
22. Attempted like a butterfly in a hurricane
Meaning: A delicate or fragile attempt that is overwhelmed by external forces.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to stay calm in the chaos was like a butterfly in a hurricane—helpless and overwhelmed.”
- “She attempted to maintain order like a butterfly in a hurricane, struggling against the storm of demands.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a leaf in a tornado. 🍂
- Attempted like a candle in a storm. 🕯️
23. Attempted like a chess player without a strategy
Meaning: An attempt made without a clear plan or foresight.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to solve the issue was like a chess player without a strategy, making moves without thinking.”
- “She attempted to organize the event like a chess player without a strategy, unsure of her next move.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a driver without a map. 🗺️
- Attempted like a writer without a plot. 🖊️
24. Attempted like a house of cards in the wind
Meaning: A fragile attempt that is easily disrupted or destroyed.
Example Sentences:
- “His plan to win the election was attempted like a house of cards in the wind, ready to collapse.”
- “She attempted to change his mind like a house of cards in the wind, quickly losing ground.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a tower of blocks in a quake. 🏗️
- Attempted like a sandcastle at high tide. 🏖️
25. Attempted like a painter with no paint
Meaning: An attempt that is missing the essential tools or ingredients to succeed.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to fix the car was like a painter with no paint—just empty effort.”
- “She attempted the project like a painter with no paint, unable to complete anything.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a baker without flour. 🍞
- Attempted like a photographer without a camera. 📷
26. Attempted like a clock without batteries
Meaning: An attempt that lacks energy or motivation.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to stay awake was like a clock without batteries—just ticking without purpose.”
- “She attempted to finish the work like a clock without batteries, slowly losing momentum.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a phone with no charge. 🔋
- Attempted like a car with no ignition. 🚗
27. Attempted like a spider weaving in the wind
Meaning: An attempt that is fragile and easily disturbed.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to negotiate was like a spider weaving in the wind, delicate and easily undone.”
- “She attempted to maintain control like a spider weaving in the wind, struggling to hold everything together.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a leaf in the breeze. 🍃
- Attempted like a balloon in a storm. 🎈
28. Attempted like a knight charging without a sword
Meaning: An attempt made without the necessary tools or preparation to succeed.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to challenge the system was like a knight charging without a sword—brave but unarmed.”
- “She attempted to speak out like a knight charging without a sword, lacking the strength to argue.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a soldier without armor. 🛡️
- Attempted like a boxer with no gloves. 🥊
29. Attempted like a plant growing in the dark
Meaning: An attempt made without the necessary conditions or guidance.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to learn the language was like a plant growing in the dark—struggling without light.”
- “She attempted to fix the issue like a plant growing in the dark, unable to find the right path.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a seed without sunlight. 🌱
- Attempted like a fish without water. 🐠
30. Attempted like a leaf in a tornado
Meaning: An attempt that is overwhelmed by uncontrollable forces.
Example Sentences:
- “His attempt to stay calm in the chaos was like a leaf in a tornado—helpless and tossed around.”
- “She attempted to keep her composure like a leaf in a tornado, struggling to stay grounded.”
Other Ways to Say:
- Attempted like a kite in a storm. 🪁
- Attempted like a ship in a hurricane. 🚢
Practical Exercise:
Objective:
This exercise will help you understand and use similes related to attempts. Complete the quiz below to test your knowledge and creativity.
1. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the similes with the correct word.
- He tried as hard as a ________ pushing a boulder uphill.
- Her attempt was as shaky as a ________ on a windy day.
- He tackled the challenge like a ________ diving into water for the first time.
- The plan failed as badly as a ________ in a rainstorm.
- She held onto hope like a ________ clinging to a leaf.
2. Multiple Choice
Choose the correct answer.
- Which simile best describes a failed attempt?
a) As smooth as silk
b) As useful as a chocolate teapot
c) As strong as an ox
d) As clear as glass - “As persistent as a ________” is used to describe someone who keeps trying.
a) Sleeping cat
b) Buzzing mosquito
c) Melting ice cube
d) Floating balloon - What does the simile “Like a fish out of water” suggest about an attempt?
a) It was extremely successful
b) The person was uncomfortable and struggling
c) The effort was effortless and natural
d) The person was calm and collected
Answer Key
- donkey
- leaf
- child
- candle
- caterpillar
- b) As useful as a chocolate teapot
- b) Buzzing mosquito
- b) The person was uncomfortable and struggling
Conclusion
Using similes for attempted adds nuance, emotion, and clarity to your writing, allowing readers to truly grasp the effort or struggle involved. By comparing attempts to relatable actions—like a hesitant child taking the first step or a careful painter making the first stroke—you make your descriptions more vivid and engaging.
Whether in stories, essays, or social media posts, these similes help convey effort, determination, and the human experience of trying in ways simple words cannot.
Experiment with them, and watch your writing resonate more deeply with your audience.
