What does “To stick to somebody like a leech.” mean?
"To stick to somebody like a leech" means to stay very close to someone and not leave them alone, just like a leech, which sticks to a person’s skin and sucks their blood. It refers to a person who is very clingy and persistent.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She wouldn't leave him alone all night, sticking to him like a leech. It was really annoying.
Example
He's so clingy, always sticking to me like a leech. I can't even have a moment to myself.
Example
I tried to get away from her, but she kept sticking to me like a leech. It was impossible to shake her off
Is “To stick to somebody like a leech.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To stick to somebody like a leech.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To stick to somebody like a leech.” effectively in context?
You can use "To stick to somebody like a leech" to describe someone who is very clingy and persistent, always staying close to another person and not giving them any space. It emphasizes the annoyance and frustration caused by someone's constant presence. For example, if a friend is complaining about their overly attached partner, you might say, 'Sounds like they stick to you like a leech.'
- 1Friendship
Even after moving to a different city, she still sticks to me like a leech, constantly calling and texting.
- 2Romantic Relationship
He couldn't handle her clinginess anymore, as she stuck to him like a leech, never giving him any personal space.
- 3Workplace
Her colleague was always sticking to her like a leech, following her around and never letting her work in peace.
Similar phrases to “To stick to somebody like a leech.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To stick to somebody like a leech.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To stick to somebody like a leech" is unknown.
Is “To stick to somebody like a leech.” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "To stick to somebody like a leech" is not very common in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be used in informal settings or when describing a particularly clingy and persistent person.
What tone does “To stick to somebody like a leech.” have?
"To stick to somebody like a leech" conveys a tone of annoyance and frustration. It is often used to express exasperation with someone who is overly attached and does not respect personal boundaries.
Can “To stick to somebody like a leech.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "To stick to somebody like a leech" is more commonly used in informal settings. It may not be appropriate for formal or professional situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She wouldn't leave him alone all night, sticking to him like a leech.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She's like a leech!' to describe someone who is clingy.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- to cling like a barnacle
- to shadow someone
- to hound someone
- to be glued to someone
- to be attached at the hip
- to be constantly by someone's side
- to be inseparable from someone
- to be always in someone's company
- to be perpetually with someone
- to be relentlessly close to someone
Antonyms
- to give someone space
- to keep one's distance
- to maintain a healthy distance
- to respect personal boundaries
- to have independence
- to have autonomy
- to be self-reliant
- to be self-sufficient
- to be independent
- to be free from attachment
