What is a metaphor? Easily explained

In this article, we explain what a metaphor is. You have probably stumbled across this term before, but may have forgotten its meaning.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a stylistic device in literary works. You use a metaphor when you want to describe something figuratively.

• A metaphor connects two areas that have nothing to do with each other in normal language.
• In a metaphor, you equate two terms. If you don't, it's just a classic comparison.
• You can always recognize a comparison by a "how" between the terms.
• Metaphors can consist of not only one, but also several words.

Examples of a metaphor

We also use some metaphors in everyday usage. Most probably subconsciously. We will therefore show you a few examples.

• Snail pace: a very slow speed of travel.
• Bottle neck: The mouth of a bottle is not an anatomically correct neck in the true sense.
• A drop in the bucket: something that doesn't last.
• Breaking the Heart: You are not literally breaking the heart.
• Find the needle in the haystack: This metaphor shows you the probability of finding what you are looking for.
• The Queue: You don't really see a snake here, but people queuing up in a snake-like shape.

Grammar is a fundamental part of every language. In our next article, we will show you what pronouns are and how you use them.