like a plug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like a plug" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe something that fits perfectly or is well-suited for a particular purpose, similar to how a plug fits into a socket. Example: "He slid into the role of team leader like a plug into a socket, seamlessly connecting with everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's sounding too much like a plug let's stop it right there".

The Guardian

"It's like a plug that fell out of the wall and somebody found it and plugged it back in".

The New York Times

"It's an opportunity to buy," said one fleshy flyboy, a slice of steak tucked into his cheek like a plug of chewing tobacco.

The New York Times

It's just like a plug has been pulled out of a socket and I have stopped – as if a battery has died.

The Guardian - Books

But nothing here has made the link between monumental sculpture and sexual desire as literal as a green, abstracted Christmas tree that looked disconcertingly like a "plug anal" – the mildly more polite French term for a butt plug.

The Guardian - Arts

First, there is the beautiful and enigmatic seductress - Susan Wayne - who is found in bed at 3am with an exit wound that makes it look "like a cone of her back had been pulled out like a plug".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

When the rotaxane is in the down position, it acts like a stopper, plugging the pore opening.

The New York Times

Like the Pax, the Firefly was originally conceived of as a counterpoint to tricked-out products like the Vapir, an old-school vaporizer that, in Robinson's words, looks like "a plug-in electric alien sex toy".

The New Yorker

For short holiday clips, basic video functions might suffice, but if the camera is likely to be used on multimedia assignments involving, say, still shots and a face-to-camera interview, then more advanced features like a plug-in microphone can be useful.And the story is far from over.

The Economist

The news comes on the heels of LinkedIn sprucing up its Sales Navigator product with new features like a plug-in for Gmail, Salesforce integration and new mobile features.

TechCrunch

This time evolution can be viewed as spatial progress over time, just like a plug-flow reactor.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a plug" to illustrate how something effectively fills a void or fulfills a specific function perfectly. For example, describe how a new team member "slid into the role like a plug", fitting seamlessly.

Common error

Avoid using "like a plug" in contexts where the function or fit isn't directly analogous to a physical plug. For instance, don't say "he understood the concept like a plug" if the understanding isn't about filling a specific knowledge gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a plug" functions primarily as a simile, drawing a comparison between something and a physical plug to illustrate a characteristic, such as a perfect fit or the ability to block or connect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "like a plug" is a grammatically sound simile used to effectively illustrate a perfect fit or functional role. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki sources, its neutral tone allows for broad application, though it's less common in formal academic settings. Consider alternatives such as "fitting like a glove" for different nuances, and avoid misusing the analogy in contexts where the comparison is strained. Use "like a plug" when you wish to emphasize seamless integration or effective closure of a gap.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as if a plug

Emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the comparison, highlighting a resemblance to a plug's function.

similar to a plug

Directly compares something to a plug, focusing on shared characteristics or functions.

resembling a plug

Focuses on the visual similarity or structural resemblance to a plug.

functioning as a plug

Highlights the action or role that something performs, analogous to that of a plug.

acting like a stopper

Describes a function of blocking or sealing, similar to a stopper's or plug's purpose.

fitting like a glove

Implies a perfect and seamless fit, similar to how a plug fits snugly into a socket.

like a missing piece

Suggests something that completes or integrates perfectly, filling a void like a plug.

as a sealant

Highlights the function of preventing leakage or infiltration, analogous to a plug's sealing ability.

filling the gap

Focuses on the action of occupying or closing a space, similar to a plug's role.

serving as a filler

Describes something that is used to fill a space or void, much like a plug.

FAQs

How can I use "like a plug" in a sentence?

You can use "like a plug" to describe something that fits perfectly or effectively fills a space or role. For example, "The solution fit into the problem like a plug, resolving it instantly."

What are some alternatives to "like a plug"?

Consider using phrases such as "fitting like a glove", "as if a plug", or "similar to a plug" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "like a plug"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the way something seamlessly fills a space, completes a circuit, or perfectly fulfills a function, similar to how a plug works.

Is "like a plug" a formal or informal expression?

"Like a plug" is generally considered an informal expression suitable for casual conversation and writing, but it can also be used in more neutral contexts where a straightforward analogy is effective.