Frank J. Wilstach, comp. A Dictionary of Similes. 1916.

Action

Like a squirrel in a cage, always in action.
—Aphra Behn

Actions of the last age are like almanacs of the last year.
—Sir John Denham

A good action like a ring on the finger, the relief of a man of wit, the patronization of a clergyman.
—Victor Hugo

Reprehensible actions are like overstrong brandies; you cannot swallow them at a draught.
—Victor Hugo

Our actions are like the termination of verses, which we rhyme as we please.
—François de La Rochefoucauld

No more action than a stalled hearse in a snow storm.
—William Winter