Have you ever seen someone who wants everything for themselves? Maybe they grab the last cookie even when others haven’t had one. Or they ask for more even when they already have plenty. This kind of behavior is called being greedy. People use similes to describe greedy actions in funny or smart ways. A simile compares two things using words like “as” or “like.” These comparisons help us see just how strong or silly someone’s greed can be.
In this article, you will learn similes that describe greedy people. These phrases are easy to remember and fun to use. You’ll also see what each one means and how to use them in everyday life. This can help you spot greed and understand it better. Let’s start exploring these similes about greed.
Similes for Greedy
1. As greedy as a pig at a buffet
Meaning: Takes more than needed, like a pig eating everything.
Example Sentence:
– He grabbed four slices of cake—greedy as a pig at a buffet.
– She took all the chips, just like a pig at a buffet.
Other ways to say: Selfish, taking too much
Fun Fact/Origin: Pigs are known to eat a lot and not stop.
Usage: Used when someone grabs too much food or stuff.
2. Like a kid in a candy store with no rules
Meaning: Someone who grabs everything they see.
Example Sentence:
– He filled his basket like a kid in a candy store with no rules.
– She acted like a kid with no limit in the candy aisle.
Other ways to say: Wild, out of control
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids often want everything when they see candy.
Usage: Used when someone is excited and greedy.
3. As greedy as a raccoon in a trash can
Meaning: Take whatever they can find, without stopping.
Example Sentence:
– He kept digging through the prizes like a raccoon in a trash can.
– She was grabbing snacks like a hungry raccoon.
Other ways to say: Hoarding, grabbing everything
Fun Fact/Origin: Raccoons are known for stealing food.
Usage: Used when someone takes lots without thinking.
4. Like a dragon guarding gold
Meaning: Doesn’t share, wants to keep everything.
Example Sentence:
– He held his toys like a dragon guarding gold.
– She didn’t want to share, just like a dragon with treasure.
Other ways to say: Stingy, selfish
Fun Fact/Origin: In stories, dragons love to keep treasure all to themselves.
Usage: Used when someone refuses to share.
5. As greedy as a squirrel with a mountain of nuts
Meaning: Always wants more, even when they have plenty.
Example Sentence:
– He already had five cookies but still asked for more—like a squirrel with a mountain of nuts.
– She hid candy in her backpack like a greedy squirrel.
Other ways to say: Never satisfied, always wants extra
Fun Fact/Origin: Squirrels are known for collecting more than they need.
Usage: Used when someone hoards things.
6. Like a vacuum cleaner at a pizza party
Meaning: Eats or takes everything fast.
Example Sentence:
– He vacuumed up the pizza slices like a machine.
– She grabbed all the snacks like a vacuum at work.
Other ways to say: Eating too much, fast taker
Fun Fact/Origin: Vacuum cleaners suck up everything quickly.
Usage: Used when someone consumes too much, too fast.
7. As greedy as a dog with a bone it won’t let go
Meaning: Doesn’t want anyone else to have what they have.
Example Sentence:
– He held the video game like a dog with a bone.
– She didn’t let anyone else touch her new toy.
Other ways to say: Won’t share, clings to things
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs guard their bones tightly.
Usage: Used when someone holds on too tight to something.
8. Like a magnet for money
Meaning: Always trying to get more money.
Example Sentence:
– He looks for ways to earn even more, like a magnet for money.
– She asks for more allowance like money sticks to her.
Other ways to say: Money-hungry, focused on getting rich
Fun Fact/Origin: Magnets attract metal; this simile means someone “attracts” money.
Usage: Used when someone is always looking to gain more cash.
9. As greedy as a cat with nine bowls of milk
Meaning: Has more than enough but still wants more.
Example Sentence:
– He had so many toys but still wanted his friend’s.
– Like a cat with too much milk, she kept asking for more.
Other ways to say: Too much, over-the-top
Fun Fact/Origin: Cats are known to enjoy milk and often ask for more.
Usage: Used when someone isn’t happy with what they already have.
10. Like a spider catching every bug
Meaning: Wants to take everything before others get a chance.
Example Sentence:
– He saved every candy before his brother saw them.
– She scooped all the prizes like a spider catching bugs.
Other ways to say: Grabbing, collecting all
Fun Fact/Origin: Spiders are quick to catch anything that enters their web.
Usage: Used when someone tries to get everything first.
11. As greedy as a fish chasing every worm
Meaning: Goes after every offer, even if it’s not needed.
Example Sentence:
– He signed up for three snacks like a fish chasing every worm.
– She wanted every prize even if she didn’t like them.
Other ways to say: Eager, can’t say no
Fun Fact/Origin: Fish often bite at bait, even when it’s a trap.
Usage: Used when someone wants everything they see.
12. Like a cookie monster in a bakery
Meaning: Take everything fast and without stopping.
Example Sentence:
– He ran into the bake sale like a cookie monster.
– She scooped up the cookies like she hadn’t eaten in days.
Other ways to say: Out of control, gobbling
Fun Fact/Origin: The Cookie Monster from TV loves eating cookies in huge amounts.
Usage: Used when someone eats or takes way too much.
13. As greedy as a child on Halloween night
Meaning: Wants all the candy and more.
Example Sentence:
– He emptied every bowl like it was Halloween.
– She kept saying “just one more” at every house.
Other ways to say: Candy hoarder, doesn’t stop
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids collect candy on Halloween and sometimes want too much.
Usage: Used for people who won’t stop grabbing things.
14. Like a bear raiding a picnic basket
Meaning: Grabs as much as possible.
Example Sentence:
– He grabbed food like a bear at a picnic.
– She reached into the bag like she was starving.
Other ways to say: Rushed, uncontrolled
Fun Fact/Origin: Bears are known for stealing picnic food in parks.
Usage: Used when someone acts like they need to take everything.
15. As greedy as a game hog at the arcade
Meaning: Won’t give others a turn.
Example Sentence:
– He stayed on the game for hours, not letting anyone else try.
– Like a game hog, she never moved from her spot.
Other ways to say: Won’t share, selfish
Fun Fact/Origin: “Hogging” means taking too much or not sharing.
Usage: Used when someone keeps something all to themselves.
16. Like a bank robber with full bags
Meaning: Takes everything without caring.
Example Sentence:
– He filled his bag with candy like a robber.
– She left nothing for others, just like a thief.
Other ways to say: Greedy, unfair
Fun Fact/Origin: Bank robbers are often shown carrying huge bags of cash.
Usage: Used for someone who takes everything.
17. As greedy as a bug in a sugar jar
Meaning: Can’t stop once they start.
Example Sentence:
– He kept going back for candy like a bug in sugar.
– She kept sneaking sweets when no one was looking.
Other ways to say: Addicted, nonstop
Fun Fact/Origin: Bugs are attracted to sugar and keep coming back.
Usage: Used when someone has no self-control.
18. Like a player who won’t pass the ball
Meaning: Keeps everything, won’t share with the team.
Example Sentence:
– He never passed—like the ball belonged only to him.
– She acted like she was the only one on the team.
Other ways to say: Selfish player, glory hog
Fun Fact/Origin: Sports players should share the ball to win as a team.
Usage: Used in games or teamwork situations.
19. As greedy as a hoarder in a toy store
Meaning: Takes too many things even if they can’t use them all.
Example Sentence:
– He grabbed every toy he saw.
– She wanted three of each color for no reason.
Other ways to say: Over-collector, doesn’t need it all
Fun Fact/Origin: Hoarders collect things even when they don’t need them.
Usage: Used when someone wants more than they can use.
20. Like a jackpot winner grabbing chips
Meaning: Tries to take everything quickly.
Example Sentence:
– He grabbed all the prizes like he hit a jackpot.
– She scooped up everything in sight.
Other ways to say: Greedy grabber, fast collector
Fun Fact/Origin: Jackpot winners often collect coins or tokens quickly.
Usage: Used for sudden and greedy behavior.
21. As greedy as a goose with two loaves of bread
Meaning: Doesn’t let go, even when it’s too much to carry.
Example Sentence:
– He took both snacks and didn’t share.
– She wouldn’t let go of anything, just like that goose.
Other ways to say: Won’t let go, takes double
Fun Fact/Origin: Geese are sometimes drawn holding too much food.
Usage: Used when someone takes more than needed.
22. Like a mouse in a cheese shop
Meaning: So excited to take everything.
Example Sentence:
– He looked like a mouse with eyes wide open.
– She didn’t know what to grab first!
Other ways to say: Wild, excited
Fun Fact/Origin: Mice love cheese in cartoons and stories.
Usage: Used when someone is overly greedy and excited.
23. As greedy as a leech on a swimmer
Meaning: Clings on and won’t let go.
Example Sentence:
– He wouldn’t leave the snack table alone.
– Like a leech, she stayed where the sweets were.
Other ways to say: Won’t stop, clingy
Fun Fact/Origin: Leeches stick to people and don’t let go.
Usage: Used when someone won’t stop taking.
24. Like a vending machine thief
Meaning: Tries to take more than what they paid for.
Example Sentence:
– He shook the vending machine for more snacks.
– She hit the button twice hoping to get extra.
Other ways to say: Sneaky, unfair
Fun Fact/Origin: People sometimes try to trick machines to get more.
Usage: Used when someone wants more without earning it.
25. As greedy as a collector who never trades
Meaning: Wants to keep everything and not share.
Example Sentence:
– He had doubles but never traded cards.
– She collected stickers but kept them to herself.
Other ways to say: Hoarder, keeps everything
Fun Fact/Origin: Trading is common in collecting, but some don’t want to give anything up.
Usage: Used for collectors who don’t share.
26. Like a pizza lover hiding slices
Meaning: Keeps the best part for themselves.
Example Sentence:
– He hid three slices under his napkin.
– She took the cheesy pieces before others could.
Other ways to say: Sneaky, selfish
Fun Fact/Origin: Pizza slices are often fought over at parties.
Usage: Used for someone sneaky about food.
27. As greedy as a kid with all the crayons
Meaning: Takes all the tools so others can’t use them.
Example Sentence:
– He had 20 crayons but used only two.
– She wouldn’t share her markers at all.
Other ways to say: Won’t share supplies, selfish in class
Fun Fact/Origin: Sharing crayons is common in group work.
Usage: Used in school or craft situations.
28. Like a pirate with a treasure chest
Meaning: Keeps treasures all for themselves.
Example Sentence:
– He kept his allowance hidden in a box.
– She wouldn’t show anyone her toy stash.
Other ways to say: Secretive, stingy
Fun Fact/Origin: Pirates hide their treasure and guard it.
Usage: Used when someone doesn’t share things they value.
29. As greedy as a dog with a steak
Meaning: Will fight to keep something for themselves.
Example Sentence:
– He growled when someone reached for his toy.
– She didn’t want to give up her turn.
Other ways to say: Protective, won’t give up
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs can be very protective of their food.
Usage: Used when someone guards something too much.
30. Like a shopper on Black Friday
Meaning: Rushes to grab everything first.
Example Sentence:
– He dashed into the store like it was a race.
– She filled her cart before anyone else could.
Other ways to say: Fast taker, hoarder
Fun Fact/Origin: Black Friday shoppers are known to rush for deals.
Usage: Used when someone grabs items quickly and greedily.
31. As greedy as a camel at a water hole
Meaning: Take in as much as possible at once.
Example Sentence:
– He drank three sodas before the game.
– She filled her plate sky-high at the buffet.
Other ways to say: Overloading, gulping
Fun Fact/Origin: Camels drink lots of water at one time to store it.
Usage: Used when someone takes a huge amount at once.
32. Like a kid with all the tickets at the arcade
Meaning: Wants all the prizes, even ones they don’t need.
Example Sentence:
– He tried to buy every toy with his tickets.
– She didn’t stop playing, even when she had enough.
Other ways to say: Obsessed, greedy player
Fun Fact/Origin: Kids love earning arcade tickets and trading them for prizes.
Usage: Used in prize or reward situations.
33. As greedy as a bossy kid on a birthday
Meaning: Wants all the attention and gifts.
Example Sentence:
– He wanted to open everyone’s presents too.
– She got upset when others got praise.
Other ways to say: Wants it all, spotlight hog
Fun Fact/Origin: Birthday kids can sometimes act like the day is only about them.
Usage: Used when someone wants to be the center and take everything.
Quiz: Similes for Greedy
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does “as greedy as a pig at a buffet” mean?
A) The person is slow and sleepy
B) The person is polite and careful
C) The person takes more than they need
2. What does “like a kid in a candy store with no rules” suggest?
A) Someone who is calm and bored
B) Someone who wants everything they see
C) Someone who shares with others
3. If someone is “like a dragon guarding gold,” what are they doing?
A) Sharing their things with friends
B) Hiding in their room
C) Refusing to share what they have
4. What does “as greedy as a raccoon in a trash can” mean?
A) Someone who is careful about what they take
B) Someone who keeps digging for more
C) Someone who throws away things
5. If a person is “like a vacuum cleaner at a pizza party,” what are they doing?
A) Cleaning the room
B) Eating all the pizza fast
C) Serving pizza to others
6. “As greedy as a kid on Halloween night” means what?
A) The person is giving candy to everyone
B) The person wants all the candy
C) The person is afraid of candy
7. What does “like a game hog at the arcade” suggest?
A) Someone who shares the game with friends
B) Someone who fixes broken games
C) Someone who doesn’t give others a turn
8. If someone is “as greedy as a squirrel with a mountain of nuts,” what does it mean?
A) They are sleeping a lot
B) They are giving away their things
C) They already have a lot but still want more
9. “Like a mouse in a cheese shop” means:
A) They don’t like cheese
B) They are nervous and shy
C) They are excited to take everything
10. If someone is “as greedy as a leech on a swimmer,” what are they doing?
A) Helping others
B) Sticking to something and not letting go
C) Swimming away fast
11. What does “like a pizza lover hiding slices” suggest?
A) They are saving pizza for others
B) They are hiding the best parts for themselves
C) They don’t like pizza
12. “As greedy as a dog with a steak” means:
A) Someone who shares their food
B) Someone who eats slowly
C) Someone who protects what they have and doesn’t share
Answer Key
- C – The person takes more than they need
- B – Someone who wants everything they see
- C – Refusing to share what they have
- B – Someone who keeps digging for more
- B – Eating all the pizza fast
- B – The person wants all the candy
- C – Someone who doesn’t give others a turn
- C – They already have a lot but still want more
- C – They are excited to take everything
- B – Sticking to something and not letting go
- B – They are hiding the best parts for themselves
- C – Someone who protects what they have and doesn’t share
Wrapping Up
Greed can be funny, silly, or even a little unfair. Using similes helps us talk about it in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether someone is acting like a pig at a buffet or a dragon guarding gold, we can picture what they are doing. These similes make language fun and help us learn about people’s actions. Next time you see someone taking too much, maybe you’ll think of one of these phrases.
Similes give us new ways to talk about what we see every day. And they help us learn the right way to act too—like sharing and being fair. That’s something everyone can work on.
