What are Metaphors?
- A metaphor is a term or a phrase that doesn't make sense literally but can be understood through connotations.
- For example: "He is such a pig!"
Similies
- Similes are similar to metaphors but contain the word "like" or "as".
- For example: "He eats like a pig!"
Types of Metaphors
Extended Metaphors
- An extended metaphor is a metaphor that is developed in detail.
- For example some poems can be extended metaphors.
Dead Metaphors
- A dead metaphor is a metaphor that was very clever at the time it was first used, but it degrades into a normal saying over time.
- Generally a very common phrase that isn't even thought of as a metaphor.
- For example: "I see what you mean" was a very well-done metaphor before but it's a cliche now.
Mixed Metaphors
- A mixed metaphor is the combination of two or more incompatible metaphors.
- For example: They put all their eggs in one basket, and now it's misfired.
- Try to avoid mixed metaphors in writing.