The metaphor is a rhetorical figure that makes figurative use of language, referring to some action or object but without saying its name. Metaphor is often used regularly in both oral and written language.
In the following article we are going to explain to you in a clear way what metaphors are and we are going to explain to you a series of examples that help you understand and understand them.
What are metaphors
Metaphors are a rhetorical figure that is used to express reality or a concept through another different reality or concept with which it bears a certain similarity. The aforementioned metaphors are composed of three distinct elements:
- The actual term It refers to the reality or concept that wants to be described through the metaphor.
- The term imaginative It refers to reality or the concept with which it is compared.
- The connection or the foundation It is the relationship between the real term and the imaginative term.
Sometimes the terms of metaphor are confused with that of simile or comparison. Unlike what happens with the simile, links are not used in the metaphor since the imaginative term replaces the real term.
Classes or types of metaphors
There are four distinct types of metaphors:
- Common metaphor. This type of metaphor directly relates the real term to the imaginative term. An example of this would be: “time is money.”
- Pure metaphor. In this case the imaginative term completely replaces the real term. An example of this would be: “he has a stone in his chest.”
- Prepositional metaphor. In this type of metaphor the real term is related to the imaginative term through a preposition. An example of this would be: “toad eyes”.
- Appositional metaphor. There is no type of connection between the real term and the imaginative term. An example of this would be: youth, divine treasure.”
- Negative metaphor. It is that metaphor that includes a negative adverb in its sentence. An example of this would be: “not children, angels.”
The use of metaphors in colloquial language
Although many people do not realize it, Metaphors are used regularly in everyday life. They help to understand certain complex and complicated concepts through other much simpler and simpler terms.
In colloquial language, metaphors help convey concepts or feelings in a way more emotional and much more graphic for the receiver. As with this example: “His smile is a ray of sunshine.”
Some examples of metaphors
Next we are going to present a series of examples of metaphors with their corresponding explanation:
- “My hands are clean.”. It means that you are not involved in any kind of problem.
- “He is in the spring of his life.” It refers to the person being young.
- “He touched the sky with his hands.” The person was very happy and content.
- “Since I met her, I have had butterflies in my stomach.”. It means that the person is in love.
- “It's sparking”. The person is angry.
- “They have it under a magnifying glass”. It means they have him under surveillance.
- “The horses of the sea beat against the bow of the ship.” The waves of the sea hit the bow of the ship.
- “The flame that beat in his chest ended up going out”. It means that passion and love have not disappeared.
- "“He fell completely into a depressive pit.”. The person began to suffer from depression.
- “He stole a smile from me”. The person made me smile.
- “The project is in its infancy”. It means that the project is in its initial phase.
- “The exam was a gift”. It means that the exam was quite easy and simple.
- “She is the light that illuminates my days.” This is a person who occupies an important part of my life.
- “That day gifts rained down on me”. On that special day they gave me quite a few gifts.
- “That place in a true paradise.” The place is really beautiful and pretty.
- “Your voice is music to my ears”. I love hearing your voice and what you say.
- “There is a long way to go.” It refers to the fact that there is still a lot of time.
- “Peter is in the dark”. It means that Pedro does not pay any attention and has his mind somewhere else.
- “He climbs the walls.” It means that the person is too nervous.
- "“He has crocodile tears.” His tears are lies and he deceives no one.
- “Helena is a sun.” It means that Helena is a wonderful person.
- “Pablo is on the crest of the wave”. It refers to the fact that Pablo is in a wonderful moment in his life.
- “He has a huge, big heart.” It means that he is a wonderful person.
- "I want to remove the water from your eyes." It refers to the tears and sadness that the person has.