The Village Idiom

homely as a hedge fence

The idiom "homely as a hedge fence" refers to something or someone that is unattractive, plain, or lacking charm. It implies that the object being described is not visually pleasing or aesthetically appealing.

Body, health & looks · Filed under H

In a sentence

  • She may not be the most physically attractive person, but her warm personality makes her as homely as a hedge fence.
  • The old cottage in the countryside was as homely as a hedge fence, with its simple, rustic charm.
  • Despite its humble appearance, the small café was as homely as a hedge fence, offering delicious homemade meals and a cozy atmosphere.

Where it comes from and how it is used

"Hard on the eyes" is another idiom that mirrors the sentiment conveyed by "homely as a hedge fence." When something or someone is described as "hard on the eyes," it means that they are unattractive or aesthetically displeasing. This idiom shares the theme of plainness or lack of beauty with "homely as a hedge fence," highlighting the similarities in their meanings.

On the other hand, the idiom "have a face like the back end of a bus" takes a different approach in its metaphorical comparison. This idiom implies that someone's appearance is extremely unattractive. While "homely as a hedge fence" suggests plainness or lack of beauty, "have a face like the back end of a bus" goes a step further by emphasizing unattractiveness or ugliness. Though they differ in degree, both idioms convey a similar idea of unadorned or unattractive appearance.

The idiom "common-and-garden" is yet another phrase that can be linked to "homely as a hedge fence." "Common-and-garden" is used to describe something that is ordinary or unremarkable. This aligns with the plain and simple nature of the hedge fence in the idiom "homely as a hedge fence." Both idioms convey the idea that someone or something lacks special qualities or uniqueness, emphasizing their unassuming and unadorned nature.

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