Like a herd of sheep
Men are often compared to sheep in the novel, from Lady Whistledown calling them sheep in reference to all of them flocking to Daphne’s side once the duke showed interest in her, through to Violet calling her hard-headed sons mindless sheep for entering Daphne and Simon’s home ready to attack him for disrespecting their sister.
“And if you say that’s because you lot barged into her home like a herd of mentally deficient sheep, I’m disowning all three of you.”
Fire-breathing dragons
Society mothers with unmarried daughters visiting gatherings and balls for the purpose of finding husbands for them are every bachelor’s worst nightmare. In a conversation with Simon, Anthony explains to him the dangers of these mothers, comparing them to fire-breathing dragons that will hunt him down no matter where he hides.
Like an angry god
Anthony, Daphne’s overprotective eldest brother, decides to take revenge on Simon for dishonoring his sister, and challenge him to a duel. Even after Daphne interferes and stops their duel, he is described looking like an angry god-a description appropriate for his meddling and overprotective behavior.
Like a dagger to his gut
Daphne discovers the truth about Simon’s decision to not father any children. She previously believed that he was unable to do it instead, and she furiously confronts him about it. Their confrontation and anger and accusation in Daphne’s voice hits Simon like a dagger to the gut.
A rake
Men who are known as promiscuous and like to indulge in sexual relations are metaphorically called rakes. Simon, Anthony, and Collin are described as rakes in the novel. They are seen as danger for the unassuming girls looking for marriage because they aren’t looking to settle.
