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

Puff (Verb)

Puffed himself up like a ship in full sail.
—Hans Christian Andersen

Puffing out like canvas in a gale.
—Anonymous

Puffing like the bellows of a blacksmith.
—Anonymous

Puffed like a leaky steam pipe.
—O. Henry

Puffed like a swimmer in the breakers.
—George Meredith