smooth as ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smooth as ice" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is very smooth or effortless, e.g. "He executed the dance moves with a grace that was smooth as ice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

THE ROOM Check-in was as smooth as ice.

The New York Times - Travel

This fall, the street was repaved, smooth as ice, for the first time in years.

The New York Times

(Some men in their demeanor epitomize the essence of a word and Mr. Jackson's picture should be beside the word "cool" in the dictionary because his voice is as smooth as ice! When Trainor wrote this song, she probably didn't mean to reference a male voice. I'm sure her intention was quite the opposite.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

For Jonathan Gibbs in the Daily Telegraph, the "child's-eye view of the world may sound kooky, but it reads as smooth as ice-cream, and Donoghue quickly builds a compelling view of this strange existence... Does the novel give a genuine insight into what it's like to go through such an ordeal?

The Guardian - Books

The crystals had grown in the night and now the black ice was smooth as glass all around that sharp turn.

The New Yorker

It is a quiet street, sedate, shaded by old trees: a street of tall houses, their facades smooth as white icing, their brickwork the colour of honey.

The Guardian - Books

Rubbing an ice cube on your legs right after shaving will make them as smooth as glass.

WikiHow

It went as smooth as glass".

The Guardian - Film

"We want something smoother, as smooth as a lake.

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes Suki's high grit content leaves me smooth as an empty ice-skating rink; other times it feels raw, so I mix it with Sunday Riley's Charisma Creme Cleanser to temper the red and keep my complexion even-keeled.

The New York Times

The term black ice was coined at St . Pauls, in reference to the smooth-as-glass surface that set when temperatures first plummeted, leading to "black ice holidays," when classes would be canceled so students could skate.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "smooth as ice" to vividly describe processes, textures, or performances that are exceptionally effortless or seamless. This comparison adds a layer of sensory detail that enhances your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "smooth as ice" when referring to situations or people that are deceptively easy or superficially pleasing. While it describes literal smoothness, overusing it metaphorically can dilute its impact. Consider alternatives like "smooth as silk" or "effortless" depending on your specific intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smooth as ice" functions primarily as a simile, comparing something to the literal smoothness of ice. Ludwig shows examples where it describes ease of processes or an actual physical texture. According to Ludwig AI, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "smooth as ice" is a simile used to describe something effortless or lacking friction, drawing a direct comparison to the literal texture of ice. According to Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase. While its usage is relatively rare, it appears in news and media contexts, suggesting a neutral register. When employing the phrase, ensure that the context appropriately aligns with the connotation of effortless smoothness. Alternatives like "smooth as silk" or "effortless" might be considered for variety or greater precision. This phrase adds sensory detail and enhances the descriptive power of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

velvety smooth

This refers directly to the texture, focusing on softness and evenness.

seamless as silk

This highlights the absence of interruptions or roughness.

effortless as gliding

This emphasizes the lack of difficulty involved.

slick as oil

This suggests a smooth surface, but can also imply deceptiveness.

fluid as water

This conveys a sense of continuous and unhindered movement.

graceful as a swan

This emphasizes the elegance and smoothness of motion, using a different animal metaphor.

easy as pie

This is a common idiom for something easily achieved, differing by employing a food metaphor.

without a hitch

This emphasizes the absence of problems or obstacles.

uncomplicated as a breeze

This indicates simplicity and a lack of difficulty.

like a walk in the park

This idiom refers to something easy and enjoyable, differing significantly in imagery.

FAQs

How can I use "smooth as ice" in a sentence?

You can use "smooth as ice" to describe something that is very smooth in texture or effortless in execution. For example, "The check-in process was as "smooth as ice"."

What's a good alternative to "smooth as ice"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "smooth as silk", "effortless", or "seamless".

Is "smooth as ice" appropriate for formal writing?

While "smooth as ice" is acceptable, it may be more suited for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider more direct alternatives like "seamless" or "efficient".

What does "smooth as ice" imply beyond literal smoothness?

"Smooth as ice" often suggests an effortless quality, lack of friction, or a situation proceeding without complications. It emphasizes the ease and lack of obstruction, similar to gliding on ice.