Metaphors: Making Vivid Comparisons

What is a Metaphor?

Good writers use metaphors to evoke vivid imagery. A metaphor is a figure of speech used to imply a comparison between ideas, things, or people. Since it uses a figurative language, a metaphor goes beyond its literal sense. So, when you hear someone say he’s “feeling blue,” you don’t expect him turn color blue; instead, you try to comfort him because it means he’s feeling “lonely.” 

Metaphor definition and example

Uses of Metaphors

  1. Metaphors compare things to make a creative analogy that may sound irrational if taken literally. Use metaphors to compare an idea to something tangible, so readers can better visualize what you mean.
  • He’s always been my rock. [Rock is compared to a person who is the strength of another person.] 
  • She’s in ruins because he left. [In ruins doesn’t mean literal destruction but more about an emotional damage.]
  • Today was a fairytale. [Today must have been magical to be likened to a fairytale.]
  1. Metaphors are a literary device used in music, poetry, speeches, and novels.
  • “You’re just another picture to burn.” – Taylor Swift
  • “Love is a piece of paper torn to bits.” – Charles Bukowski
  • “His unusually low, baritone speaking voice is chocolate for the ears.” – Dan Brown
  • “All religions, arts and sciences are branches of the same tree.” – Albert Einstein
  • “Conscience is a man’s compass.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Related Reading: Quotation Marks – Separating Words & Phrases

  1. Metaphors add layers and colors to one’s writing. Make sure you use it for a more engaging content. 
  • Instead of saying “I appreciate you,” you can amp it up a little and say, “You’re my sunshine.” When asked to describe love, instead of responding with “love is a feeling,” you can say, “Love is a cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday morning.” 

When using metaphors, make sure that the similarities of the things you compare are apparent, not out of this world. Meaning and understanding should still be your priority. 

For instance, saying “Love is a one-way street” sounds wrong. Since love is usually likened to a “two-way street,” the expression saying it’s a one-way street doesn’t make sense. Think twice before comparing.

What is the Difference between Metaphors and Similes?

Both metaphors and similes are forms of figurative language used to make comparisons. The difference is that similes use as and like to compare things, while metaphors directly compare things – as if one thing is another thing. In a way, similes are metaphors that use like and as, but metaphors are not similes.

Metaphor vs Simile difference and examples

Simile: Shine bright like a diamond.

Metaphor: Your smile lights up the sky. [Your smile is lighting up the sky.]

Simile: The government’s housing problem is as old as the hills.

Metaphor: Our boss is a dinosaur. 

Simile: Meeting you is like receiving a decade’s worth of Christmas presents. 

Metaphor: You are a breath of fresh air.

Different Types of Metaphors

In literature, there are many types of metaphors. Let’s discuss a few.

  1. Standard Metaphor: A conventional metaphor that implies something is another thing (X is Y).
  • Grief is an uninvited guest coming over for breakfast.
  • I was over the moon when he arrived.
  1. Implied Metaphor: An implied metaphor derives comparison from the standard formula, X is Y. 
  • Grief is an uninvited guest coming over for breakfast. On the worst of mornings, grief has been her constant companion. 

In the first sentence, we are directly comparing grief to an uninvited guest (standard). In the second sentence, we imply that grief is someone who has become a constant companion by comparing its behavior to a person who’s always present on her worst mornings.

  1. Mixed Metaphor: A combination of two or more unrelated metaphors that results in an absurd sentence or phrase. 
  • Play the cool [A combination of play it cool and play the fool]
  • Stop and smell the coffee [A combination of stop and smell the roses and wake up and smell the coffee.] 

NOTE: Mixed metaphors aren’t always wrong; they can be intentionally done for literary effect. Be careful when to mix up metaphors; otherwise, you’ll end up sounding odd. Avoid mixed metaphors by visualizing what you wrote and checking if it makes sense.

  1. Dead Metaphor: An overused metaphor that has lost its literary effect and has become an everyday idiom.
  • She’s a night owl.
  • It’s raining cats and dogs.
  • He has an impressive body of work.

Thank you for reading. We hope it’s effective! Always feel free to revisit this page if you ever have any questions about metaphors.

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If you enjoyed learning about metaphors, you may be interested in our English Language Composition 2021 AP Exam Study Guide.
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If you enjoyed learning about metaphors, you may be interested in our English Literature & Composition 2021 AP Exam Study Guide.
Click here for the English Literature & Composition 2021 AP Exam Study Guide!