Do you want to know what a metaphor is?

In English, certain words, expressions, or phrases are used to describe things, events, and people by means of resemblance. The purpose of using such expressions is to explain things more elaborately. 

In this article, you will learn what a metaphor is, why they are used and how to properly use them. Also you will find some common metaphor examples that are used in everyday English.

What is a Metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to make an exaggerated statement. The literal meanings of metaphors are not taken seriously because they look like silly statement that are far from reality. However, a metaphor resemble one thing with antoerh  show the resemblance of one thing with another in a good way.

Consider the following examples of metaphors used in everyday English.

• My life is an open book.
• She has a heart of gold.
• Baby, you are a firework.
• Money is the root of all evil.
• My son is the star of my eyes.
• She is the soul of the party.

When we use metaphors, the literal meanings are not interpreted because they are foolish. For example, if we read the following examples and take them in their literal meaning, they will look silly.

• Love is a battlefield.
• Ali is a couch potato.

The main purpose of using such words (metaphors) to explain things better is to convey the exact, clear meaning you want. For example, if you simply say that love is difficult or Ali sits on the couch all the time, the description is not as powerful as was in the metaphors.

• My life is an open book.
• Baby, you are a firework.
• My son is the star of my eyes.
• She is the soul of the party.

Types of Metaphor

There are four types of metaphors used in English. They are;

• Implied 
• Sustained
• Dead
• Mixed

Standard Metaphor

Implied Metaphor

Sustained Metaphor

Dead Metaphor

Mixed Metaphor

Metaphor Vs. Simile

Metaphors and similes are both types of figurative speech and are used to exaggerate things. Simile are used to compare one thing with another thing and their literal meanings are not taken as it is. however, metaphor is a statement that showses one thing as another thing.

• He’s as cute as a button.
• You’re as busy as a bee.
• It’s like taking candy from a baby.
• She’s as cool as a cucumber.

Examples of Metaphor

Below are some of the most common metaphor examples that we use in everyday conversations. Some of them are more familiar and you may have heard them or used them in your communications.

• The trip to Arkansas was a nightmare.
• You are my shining star.
• He is a night owl and stays up the whole night.
• This place is a pigsty.
• That athlete is a machine.
• He is a black sheep in the family.
• She gets cold feet.
• She thinks love is a highway.
• He ruled the country with an iron fist.
• She is a monster.
• The test was a piece of cake.
• It is an icing on the cake. 
• You made my day.

Metaphor FAQs

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor describes something by saying it is something else. It resembles one thing with another, which people are well aware of.

What are some examples of metaphor?

• My life is an open book.
• My son is the star of my eyes.

What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

In English, metaphors and similes are figures of speech. They are both used to compare things. A metaphor is a straight statement where a simile uses the words “like” or “as” to compare two things. 

You can also see articles on grammar, vocabulary, and learning tips. to improve your English language skills.