Metaphors

A Metaphors is a word or phrase that is used to make a comparison between two people, things, animals, or places. They can be very helpful for kids who are learning the meaning of specific words because they provide a more visual description of the word or thought.

Like similes, metaphors are words used to compare other words. The difference between the two is that in metaphors, a thing is equated with what it is compared to.

Metaphors add some spicy ingredients to your composition.

Examples:

1. The man is like a lion - this is a simile
2. The man is a lion - is a metaphor

Notice that while in a simile one person or thing is likened to another, in a metaphor one person or thing is equated with the other.

Some Examples are:

• The snow is a white blanket.

• America is a melting pot.

•  Her lovely voice was music to his ears.

• Life is a roller coaster.

• The alligator’s teeth are white daggers.

• Their home was a prison.

• His heart is a cold iron.

Look at this conversation here

1. I was stung by his remarks. [His remarks are equated with the sting of a bee.]
2. The sergeant barked orders to the askaris. [The sergeant is equated with a dog!]
3. Francis droned on and on about his father’s achievement.
4. She grunted in reply.

Try to identify all the metaphors in this "Peanuts" cartoon strip:

Watch this!