Metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true but helps explain an idea or concept. It compares two things that are not alike but have something in common to better explain one of them. For example, "life is a journey" is a common metaphor used to explain the ups and downs of life.

When to use it

Native English speakers use metaphor when they wish to compare two different things or ideas, usually to provide a clearer or more vivid description. Metaphors are commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday speech. For example, "her voice was music to his ears" is a metaphor comparing the woman's voice to music and emphasizing how enjoyable he found it. Similarly, "life is a journey" is a common metaphor that compares the ups and downs of life to the twists and turns of a journey. Overall, metaphors are used to enhance communication and understanding by linking unfamiliar or abstract concepts to familiar experiences or objects.

Example sentences

  1. Her smile was a metaphor for sunshine, brightening up everyone's day.
  2. The author masterfully employed metaphors throughout the poem, painting vivid images in the reader's mind.
  3. The politician's speech was filled with metaphors, using them to convey complex ideas in a relatable way.
  4. "Time is money" is a well-known metaphor highlighting the value of time in terms of productivity.
  5. The storm clouds looming in the sky were a metaphor for the impending danger.
  6. The artist's use of colors was a metaphor for the different emotions she wanted to express in her painting.
  7. In her novel, the protagonist's journey served as a metaphor for personal growth and self-discovery.
  8. The song's lyrics were filled with metaphors, inviting the listeners to interpret the deeper meanings behind the words.
  9. The phrase "life is a rollercoaster" is a metaphor that suggests life has ups and downs and unexpected twists.
  10. The filmmaker used visual metaphors to convey the character's internal struggles without relying on dialogue.

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Reference:

metaphor
1. an expression, often found in literature, that describes a person or object…
Cambridge Dictionary
What Is a Metaphor? Definition and Examples
A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true, but…
Grammarly BlogKelly Morr
Metaphor - Wikipedia
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