as fragile as crystal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as fragile as crystal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very delicate or easily breakable, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her emotions were as fragile as crystal, easily shattered by the slightest criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

McIlroy's confidence appeared as fragile as crystal stemware, and there were signs that success had changed him, starting with his reserved parking placard.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Designed and built by Mr. Ledner in the mid-1950s, thouseuse, which has the jaunty silhouette of a World's Fair pavilion, looks as fragile as a piece of cut crystal.

The New York Times

At each setting were two fine goblets of a pale gray-tinted crystal, each with a fluted bowl and a tapered stem as fragile as a bubble.

The New York Times

The truce, however, is as fragile as can be.

The Economist

Will this new monolith prove as fragile as Stone Mountain?

The New York Times

Plays as fragile as this should move like the wind.

The New York Times

They think the country is as fragile as they are".

The New York Times - Books

Chen is as fragile as the next teenager.

The New York Times - Magazine

Civilian courts are not as fragile as the administration fears.

The New York Times

"We view this recovery as weak, as fragile, as uneven," Mr. Draghi said.

The New York Times

We are as fragile as china.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as fragile as crystal" to emphasize the delicate nature of something, especially when you want to evoke a sense of preciousness or vulnerability. Be mindful of the context to ensure the comparison is appropriate and resonates with your audience.

Common error

While effective, "as fragile as crystal" can become a cliché if overused. Consider varying your language with other similes or metaphors to maintain freshness and impact in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as fragile as crystal" functions as a simile, comparing something to crystal to emphasize its delicate nature. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable and can be employed to describe things that are easily broken or damaged.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "as fragile as crystal" effectively conveys a sense of delicacy and vulnerability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. While it is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the easily damaged nature of whatever it describes. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid overuse, considering alternatives like "as delicate as glass" or "easily shattered" to maintain freshness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as delicate as glass

Replaces "crystal" with "glass", maintaining the imagery of easily broken transparency but altering the specific material.

as brittle as bone

Substitutes the fragility of "crystal" with the brittleness of "bone", emphasizing a tendency to snap under pressure.

as breakable as porcelain

Uses "porcelain" instead of "crystal", evoking a sense of refined, easily shattered elegance.

as sensitive as a butterfly's wing

Employs the image of a butterfly's wing to illustrate extreme sensitivity and vulnerability.

as flimsy as a house of cards

Uses the metaphor of a "house of cards" to highlight instability and susceptibility to collapse.

easily shattered

Simplifies the comparison to a direct statement of being easily broken.

highly vulnerable

Replaces the simile with a straightforward description of vulnerability.

extremely delicate

Emphasizes the fineness and susceptibility to damage, removing the figurative element.

paper-thin

Uses the image of "paper-thin" to imply extreme lack of substance or resilience.

on thin ice

This idiom suggests a situation that could easily go wrong or collapse, similar to fragility.

FAQs

How can I use "as fragile as crystal" in a sentence?

You can use "as fragile as crystal" to describe something easily broken or damaged, whether physically or emotionally. For example: "Her confidence was "as fragile as crystal" after the criticism."

What are some alternatives to "as fragile as crystal"?

Alternatives include "as delicate as glass", "as brittle as bone", or "easily shattered", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "as fragile as crystal" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. In highly formal contexts, a more direct description like "extremely delicate" or "highly vulnerable" might be preferable to avoid figurative language. However, in many contexts, "as fragile as crystal" is perfectly acceptable.

What does it mean when something is described as "as fragile as crystal"?

It means that the thing being described is easily broken, damaged, or upset. It emphasizes a lack of resilience and a need for careful handling. The comparison to crystal evokes an image of something beautiful but inherently delicate.