grave as a judge

English

Adjective

grave as a judge (not comparable)

1. (simile, rare) Thoroughly serious.
   • 1842, The New Monthly Magazine and Universal Register, page 298:

     ... was as grave as a Judge , and evidently in sad , sober earnest as indeed appeared the next minute , when he went off into one of his fits of abstraction , but continued to talk to himself . From what he muttered it was plain that he was […]

   • 1881, Anne Beale, Gladys, the reaper, by the author of 'Simplicity and fascination'. By A.Beale, page 97:

     ... was as grave as a judge . Mr Prothero was as much struck with the improvement in the widow's appearance as his son . ' Why , I declare , cousin ' Lizabeth , you look ten years younger than you did when I saw you last . Do you mind when […]

   • 2021 January 10, Max Pemberton, Max Pemberton Ultimate Collection: 50+ Adventure Tales & Detective Mysteries: The Iron Pirate, The Sea Wolves, Jewel Mysteries…, e-artnow:

     ... was as grave as a judge at the moment, "because I must; I've been thinking of her ever since I picked you up. It's queer, Britten, but I do believe you're going to bring me luck, and that's as true as Gospel." "And true it shall be […]

References

• 1826, The Casket, Or, Flowers of Literature, Wit & Sentiment, page 147:

  ... grave as a judge - as gay as a lark , As tall as a May - pole - as round as a butt , As sour as verjuice - as sweet as a nut ; As pale as a ghost - as red as a rose ; As sharp as a needle - as blunt as my nose , As wealthy as Croesus […]

• 1873, Percival Keane (pseud.), Good, bad, and indifferent, a book of jests, page 17:

  ... grave as a judge - as sly as a fox . As old as the hills - as straight as a dart ; As still as the grave - as swift as a hart . As solid as marble - as firm as a rock ; As soft as a plum - as thick as a block . As pale as a lily - as […]