As flat as a pancake

usgb
adjective

Something that is very flat or smooth.

After pressing, the clothes were as flat as a pancake.
Visual representation of "as flat as a pancake" - Something that is very flat or smooth

Often appears as...

  • as smooth as a pancake
  • as flat as a board

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "as flat as a pancake"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Comparative Imagery

Visualize how a pancake is completely flat to understand this expression's meaning.

Illustration for Comparative Imagery
Her new haircut made her head look as flat as a pancake.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Exaggeration

The phrase is often used to exaggerate flatness, even when something isn't literally that flat.

Illustration for Exaggeration
He ironed the shirt until it was as flat as a pancake.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Common Misuse

Avoid using this expression to describe things that are usually flat; it's meant to emphasize an unusual degree of flatness.

Illustration for Common Misuse
The deflated soccer ball was as flat as a pancake.
Visual representation of the word "As flat as a pancake"

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