What is a Metaphor: Definition, Meaning & Examples

What is a Metaphor: We all use metaphors in our daily life. Popular ones like ‘Time is money’, ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’, ‘A piece of cake’, etc. are frequently used by people around us. But do you know what makes metaphors so special? What purpose do they serve? Even this question I just asked has a metaphor; ‘What is your North Star?’

In layman’s language, a metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not applicable. Metaphors are used to make language more vivid, expressive, and imaginative. Metaphors allow us to convey complex ideas by relating them to more familiar or tangible concepts. Today, we will be discussing what a metaphor is, how it can be used, how is it different from a smile, and some examples. Stay tuned!

What is a Metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech, used to make a comparison. This comparison is done between two unrelated things, suggesting that they share common characteristics or qualities. Unlike a simile, which uses ‘like’ or ‘as’ to make comparisons, a metaphor asserts that the two things are identical or interchangeable.

For example, when someone says ‘The world is a stage’, it means that life is like a theatrical or stage performance, with individuals playing different roles.

Definition of a Metaphor

As per the Cambridge Dictionary, a metaphor is characterised as “an expression that is commonly used in literature to describe a person or object by referring to something that is thought to have similar characteristics to that person or object.” The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines a metaphor as “a word or phrase used to describe somebody/something else, in a way that is different from its normal use, to demonstrate the similarities between the two objects and to enhance the power of the description.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a metaphor as “a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.” The Collins Dictionary defines a metaphor as “an imaginative way of describing something by referring to something else which is the same in a particular way.”

How to Use a Metaphor in a Sentence?

The goal of every figure of speech is to make your audience with a lasting impression. You should be fully aware of how you can use each and every figure of speech if you want to achieve the intended reaction from your audience. To learn how to effectively employ metaphors in your sentences, now review the following points.

• Make sure the metaphor you are using is truly giving your intended audience the impression you want them to get when you use one.
• You may occasionally need to draw comparisons between two like or unlike attributes or objects. Don’t purposefully employ a metaphor in these situations. If you believe that using a simile instead of a metaphor will have the desired impact on your audience, then go with that option.
• To ensure you are making the best decision, read it two or three times.

What Makes a Metaphor Different from a Simile? Metaphor Vs Smile

As listed above, a metaphor is a figure of speech that shows a comparison between two different things in such a way that they look similar. On the other hand, a smile is used to compare two different things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as.’ It highlights similarities between the two things while maintaining that they are distinct entities. To understand their differences clearly, we have listed some metaphors and smiles in the table below.

Metaphor	Smile
The world is a stage.	He ran as fast as a Cheetah.
The classroom was a zoo.	Her smile was like sunshine.
His words were a dagger in her heart.	Her voice was as gentle as a summer breeze.
Time is a river.	Time flows like a river.
Her laughter was music to his ears.	HThis was all about what a metaphor is, its uses and examples. We hope the above-listed information will help you with your English grammar learning. For more information on such informative articles, kindly visit GeeksforGeeks.er daughter was like a melody.
The city is a living, breathing organism with a heartbeat of its own.	The city pulses like a living organism.
His words were a feather in the wind.	His words floated in the air like a feather.

20+ Metaphors With Examples

In this section, we will discuss 20+ metaphors with their examples. These metaphors will provide you with an overall understanding of how to use them in appropriate conditions.

Metaphor	Example
Her love is a beacon in my life	During my toughest times, her love serves as a guiding beacon, leading me forward.
Hope is a light in the darkness	Even in the darkest times, hope acts as a guiding light that keeps us moving forward.
Time is a thief	As I reminisce, I realize how time, like a thief in the night, has stolen moments I can never reclaim.
Life is a journey	Embracing new challenges and experiences is essential because life is an unpredictable journey.
Love is a battlefield	Their relationship faced numerous challenges and conflicts; indeed, love proved to be a battlefield.
The world is a stage	In the grand theatre of life, each person plays a unique role on the ever-changing stage.
Words are weapons	Be careful with your words; they have the power to hurt or heal as if they were sharp weapons.
The classroom was a zoo	With students talking and moving about, the classroom felt like a chaotic zoo.
Her laughter was music to my ears	Every time she laughed, it felt as if a beautiful melody was playing in my ears.
Time is a river	The flow of time is unstoppable, much like a relentless river that carves its path.
His words were a dagger in her heart	The harsh criticism felt like a sharp dagger piercing her sensitive heart.
This city is a living, breathing organism	With its constant movement and vibrant energy, the city felt like a living, breathing organism.
Her smile was a ray of sunshine	Whenever she smiled, it illuminated the room like a warm and comforting ray of sunshine.
The path of life is a mosaic of choices	Each decision we make contributes to the intricate mosaic of our life’s journey.
The storm of emotions	Amid grief, she felt a storm of emotions raging within her heart.
His argument was a house of cards	Without solid evidence, his argument collapsed like a fragile house of cards.
This city never sleeps	With its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife, this city truly lives up to the metaphor—it never sleeps.
The meeting was a circus	With people talking over each other and chaotic discussions, the meeting resembled a circus.
The idea planted a seed in her mind	The innovative concept planted a seed in her mind, growing into a flourishing field of possibilities.
Her love is a beacon in my life	In moments of darkness and confusion, her love serves as a guiding beacon, leading me forward.
Time is a healer	Though the wounds were deep, time worked its magic, gradually healing the pain and scars.

This was all about what a metaphor is, its uses and examples. We hope the above-listed information will help you with your English grammar learning. For more information on such informative articles, kindly visit GeeksforGeeks.

What is a Metaphor- FAQs

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not applicable. Metaphors are used to make language more vivid, expressive, and imaginative.

What are the most popular metaphors?

Here are some popular metaphors: The ball is in your court, Bite the bullet, A breath of fresh air, Break the ice, Hit the nail on the head, The tip of the iceberg, etc.

What are some good metaphors for students?

Here are some good metaphos for students: The classroom is a melting pot of ideas, Homework is a mountain to climb, Tests are stepping stones to success, Knowledge is a key to unlock doors, Curiosity is a flame, Teachers are guiding stars, grades are building blocks, etc.

What is the difference between a metaphor and a smile?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that shows comparison between two different things in such a way that they look similar. On the other hand, a smile is used to compares two different things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as.’ It highlights similarities between the two things while maintaining that they are distinct entities.