Metaphor: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when describing an object or action that is symbolic of something else, often to make a description more vivid or to convey a deeper meaning. Metaphors don't use 'like' or 'as' for comparison.

• Time is a thief.
• Her eyes were diamonds.

Useful in explaining a complex idea in simpler terms by comparing it to something familiar. Analogies often make concepts more understandable by highlighting the similarities between two different things.

• Life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get.
• Explaining a joke is like dissecting a frog. You understand it better, but the frog dies in the process.

This is a general term for stating similarities (and sometimes differences) between two or more items, often using 'like' or 'as'. It’s useful for descriptive purposes to make something clearer or more vivid.

• She is as busy as a bee.
• The cloud was as fluffy as cotton candy.

Used to represent ideas or qualities beyond the literal sense. Symbolism often imbues an object, character, or event with meaning that suggests more than its literal meaning. It's commonly used in literature and art.

• The dove is a symbol of peace.
• In the novel, the green light is a symbol of desire and the unattainable.

Used in literature and everyday language to make a direct comparison between two unrelated things, highlighting a common characteristic. Metaphors add depth and creativity to writing or speech.

• Time is a thief.

Refers to various stylistic devices used in literature and rhetoric to produce a particular effect. This includes metaphors, similes, personification, and more. Used broadly to enrich language.

• It's raining cats and dogs.

Often used in literature, film, or media to refer to common themes, motifs, or clichés. While it can be neutral, it sometimes carries a negative connotation when overused or unoriginal.

• The 'reluctant hero' is a common trope in adventure stories.

Primarily used in visual or descriptive contexts to paint a mental picture for the audience. Common in poetry and descriptive writing to evoke sensory experiences.

• The golden sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange.