slow as (slower than) molasses (in January)
slow as (slower than) molasses (in January)
Extremely dilatory. This simile is American in origin, dates from the midor late nineteenth century, and is a vivid one for anyone who has ever tried to pour cold molasses from one container into another. “He’s slower than molasses,” wrote J. W. McAndrews (Monologue, ca. 1880).
See also: molasses, slow
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- take to it like a duck to water, to
- fighting mad
- live like a prince, to
- ride hell (bent) for leather, to
- end of the world, it's not/wouldn't be the
- cat got your tongue, has the
- cold shoulder, to give/show the
- keep your eyes peeled/skinned
- turn over in one's grave, (enough to make one)
- crazy as a coot/loon