We learnt the expression cho sgìth ris a’ chù (as tired as the dog) in A1 Cuspair 3. Now we’ll learn some more expressions which use cho … ri (as … as). This structure is called a samhla (simile)—saying that something is like something else. We have loads of them in Gaelic.
as [adjective] as [noun]
Cho (as) requires ri/ris (to) to complete the expression as [adjective] as [noun].
Ri is used with indefinite singular or plural nouns; and
ris is used with definite singular nouns; but
both ri and ris can be used with definite plural nouns.
cho marbh ri sgadan
as dead as a herring
cho dubh ris an fhitheach
as black as the raven
cho faoin ri(s) na faoileagan
as daft as the seagulls
And here’s a small selection of our favourites!
cho fuar ris a’ phuinnsean
as cold as poison
cho mosach ri mathan
as nasty as a bear
cho fiadhaich ri broc
as wild as a badger
cho garbh ris an ròcas
as rough as a rook
cho fliuch ri lach
as wet as a (wild) duck
cho fliuch ri tòn tunnaig
as wet as a duck’s backside
cho fliuch ri sgarbh
as wet as a cormorant
cho fliuch ri iasg
as wet as a fish
cho teth ris an èibhleig
as hot as a cinder
cho teth ris an teine
as hot as the fire
cho teth ri gaol seòladair
as hot as a sailor’s love
cho blàth ris a’ bhainne
as warm as the milk
cho fuar ris an t–sneachd
as cold as the snow
cho fuar ris a’ bhàs
as cold as death
cho fuar ris a’ pholl
as cold as the mud/bog