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What is a metaphor? A metaphor is a direct comparison that says one thing is another to suggest they share key characteristics. Unlike a simile, a metaphor does not use like or as.
What is a Metaphor? Exercises, Definition and Examples
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- Time is a thief – suggests that time takes away life’s moments.
- Life is a journey – frames life as a path full of experiences.
- The world is a stage – implies people are like actors playing roles.
- A heart of stone – used to describe someone who is emotionally cold.
- A ray of sunshine – describes someone who brings happiness.
- A diamond in the rough – refers to something valuable but unrefined.
- A fire in the belly – expresses strong passion or motivation.
A metaphor is a figure of speech that states that one thing is another to show that it shares its characteristics.
Dictionary Definition
“a figure in 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 (as in drowning in money)” [1]
“an expression, often found in literature, that describes a person or object by referring to something that is considered to have similar characteristics to that person or object:
“The mind is an ocean” and “the city is a jungle” are both metaphors.
Metaphor and simile are the most commonly used figures of speech in everyday language.” [2]
Different Types of Metaphors
There are many types of metaphors in English. Some are used in everyday speech, others appear more often in literature, poems, or advertising. Here are six common types:
Standard Metaphors
A standard metaphor makes a direct comparison between two things. It says that one thing is another to show a strong image or feeling.
The classroom was a zoo.
(This means the classroom was loud and out of control, not that it was really a zoo.)
Implied Metaphors
An implied metaphor doesn’t say one thing is another, but suggests the comparison indirectly.
She barked instructions at her team.
(It suggests she acted like a dog, without saying “She is a dog.”)
Mixed Metaphors
A mixed metaphor combines two different metaphors, which can sometimes be confusing or funny.
We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it.
(This mixes two expressions: “burning bridges” and “cross that bridge when we come to it.”)
Visual Metaphors
A visual metaphor uses an image or design to show a comparison. These are often found in advertising or film.
A car ad shows a car with wings to suggest speed and freedom.
(The image compares the car to a bird without using words.)
Extended Metaphors
An extended metaphor is a longer comparison that continues through several lines or sentences. Writers often use these in stories or poems.
Life is a journey with many stops, detours, and unexpected turns.
(This idea continues and builds the image of life as a journey.)
Dead Metaphors
A dead metaphor is a metaphor people use so often that they forget it’s a metaphor. The image is no longer strong or surprising.
Time is running out.
(We don’t picture time with legs, but we still understand the meaning.)
2 -Difference Between Metaphors and Similes and Analogies
Simile and Metaphors are both figures of speech that use a comparison of two things but they have differences.
- Metaphors do not use ‘as’ and ‘like’ to make the comparison
- Metaphors make a direct comparison, whilst similes make an indirect comparison
- Metaphors can be used over a larger text, whereas similes are generally very short phrase or small sentences.
An analogy explains how two things are alike in more detail.
metaphors vs other expressions
Metaphors compare ideas in a creative way. Unlike idioms or proverbs, metaphors are not fixed phrases and often appear in poems, songs, and everyday speech.
3 - How to Use Metaphors
Metaphors are commonly used in everyday speech, literature, and even in professional settings. They help to create imagery and convey complex ideas in a more relatable way. When using metaphors:
- Choose comparisons that are clear and relatable to your audience
- Don’t overuse them – a few well-placed metaphors are more effective than too many
- Be aware of cultural differences, as some metaphors may not translate well across cultures
create a metaphor
To create a metaphor, think of two things that share a quality, and say one is the other — like “My mind is a sponge” to show you learn quickly.
use a metaphor
You can use a metaphor in writing or speaking to make ideas stronger or more interesting — for example, “He’s a rock in tough times.”
4 - Examples of Metaphors
To understand metaphors and how they are used here are four examples with definitions, example sentences and conversation and an explanation of their use
Time is a thief
Definition: This metaphor suggests that time steals moments from our lives.
Example Sentences:
- “As we grow older, we realize that time is a thief.”
- “Cherish every moment, because time is a thief that takes away our youth.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “I can’t believe how fast this year has gone by.”
- Person 2: “I know! Time is such a thief, isn’t it?”
- Person 1: “Yeah, it really sneaks up on you.”
Explanation: This metaphor expresses the idea that time can take away valuable experiences or moments in life. The term thief is used to describe someone that wrongly takes away your belonging, therefore if time is a thief it is stealing valuable time away from you.
Life is a journey
Definition: This metaphor describes life as an adventure filled with various experiences.
Example Sentences:
- “Remember, life is a journey, not a destination.”
- “Each setback is just a detour on this journey we call life.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “I’m feeling lost after college.”
- Person 2: “Don’t worry! Life is a journey, and you’ll find your way.”
Explanation: This metaphor emphasizes the idea that life consists of experiences and lessons learned along the way. We think of a journey as an adventure of traveling and experiences and therefore we have experiences while we travel through our life.
The world is a stage
Definition: This metaphor suggests that life is like a play where everyone has roles to play.
Example Sentences:
- “In this city, it often feels like the world is a stage, and everyone is performing.”
- “She entered the room like she was stepping onto a stage; the world is a stage, after all.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “Why do you think everyone acts differently in public?”
- Person 2: “Because the world is a stage, and people play their parts.”
Explanation: This metaphor conveys the idea that life is a performance, and we each have roles in it. A stage is the place that shows and performances takes place where actors and actresses play roles in a story. This suggests life is like this story with all of us performing a role in this story.
A heart of stone
Definition: This metaphor indicates that a person is cold to others and lacks emotion.
Example Sentences:
- “Even after all that happened, he showed he has a heart of stone.”
- “She’s tough and doesn’t let anyone in; she has a heart of stone.”
Example Conversation:
- Person 1: “Did you see how he reacted to her tears?”
- Person 2: “I know, right? He has a heart of stone.”
Explanation: This metaphor highlights a person’s lack of emotional detachment or inability to show compassion. A stone is hard and cold which are terms used when a person is not kind and friendly. So when a person lacks compassion then it is said to be ‘cold’ and that they are ‘hard’.
5 - Metaphor Examples
In this section there are a wide range of ways to use metaphors from human or animal traits and characteristics, the weather, colors to words of wisdom.
Mastering Metaphors: Exploring Human Traits and Characteristics
A Heart of Gold
- Possessing great kindness or generosity
- Despite her tough exterior, she has a heart of gold and always helps those in need.
- John may seem grumpy, but he has a heart of gold when it comes to his family.
The Mind is a Maze
- Complex, confusing, or difficult to navigate
- His thoughts were so scattered that his mind was a maze of uncertainty.
- When trying to recall old memories, my mind felt like a maze I couldn’t find my way through.
A Fire in the Belly
- Possessing strong determination or passion
- After the coach’s speech, the players had a fire in their bellies, ready to win the match.
- She has a fire in her belly when it comes to achieving her goals.
A heart of gold describes someone who is genuinely kind and caring. It emphasizes generosity, highlighting a person’s inner goodness and willingness to help others, even if they may not show it outwardly.
The mind is a maze suggests that someone’s thoughts or mental state are complicated, tangled, or difficult to make sense of. It emphasizes confusion or the challenge of sorting through emotions or ideas.
A fire in the belly describes someone with intense motivation, drive, or passion. It evokes a sense of energy or enthusiasm, often used to characterize people with a strong will to succeed.
Shining Metaphors: Exploring Light, Purity, and Clarity
A Ray of Sunshine
- A source of happiness or positivity
- Her cheerful attitude made her a ray of sunshine in everyone’s life.
- Even during tough times, he remains a ray of sunshine for his friends.
A Diamond in the Rough
- Someone with great potential hidden beneath a rough exterior
- Although inexperienced, she’s a diamond in the rough, full of promise.
- The old house may look run-down, but it’s a diamond in the rough with the right renovations.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
- Hope or relief after a period of difficulty
- After months of hard work, they finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel with the project’s completion.
- The treatment was tough, but now there’s light at the end of the tunnel, and he’s on the mend.
A ray of sunshine conveys warmth and happiness. It is used to describe someone who brings joy or positivity to those around them, much like the sun brightens a cloudy day.
A diamond in the rough highlights untapped potential. It often refers to people or things that may seem unpolished but have inherent value waiting to be discovered or developed.
The light at the end of the tunnel signifies hope or the resolution of a difficult situation. It emphasizes the idea of overcoming challenges and emerging into better circumstances.
Chilling Metaphors: Exploring Temperature and Emotion
A Cold Shoulder
- Intentional unfriendliness or dismissal
- After the argument, she gave him the cold shoulder for a week.
- The manager’s cold shoulder made it clear that he wasn’t welcome anymore.
A Frosty Reception
- To receive an unfriendly or hostile welcome
- When the politician tried to apologize, he was met with a frosty reception from the angry crowd.
- Despite his charm, John got a frosty reception from his girlfriend after missing their anniversary dinner.
Ice in Their Veins
- To be unemotional or show no empathy
- The lawyer argued her case with ice in her veins, showing no sympathy for the opposing side.
- Even in the face of disaster, the CEO acted with ice in his veins, making tough decisions without hesitation.
A cold shoulder represents deliberate coldness or ignoring someone. It describes the act of being distant or unfriendly, usually as a response to hurt feelings or anger.
A frosty reception conveys the idea of being greeted with hostility or unfriendliness. It evokes the image of coldness, implying emotional chill or distance between people in a situation where warmth and welcome are expected.
Ice in their veins describes someone who is emotionally cold, detached, or unfeeling. It suggests a lack of empathy or warmth, implying that the person is as cold and unresponsive as ice, even in situations that would normally elicit emotion.
Feasting and Dreaming: Metaphors of Food and Sleep
Food for Thought
- Something that provokes deep thinking or reflection
- The professor’s lecture gave the students a lot of food for thought.
- The book was filled with food for thought, challenging readers to question their beliefs.
Burning the Midnight Oil
- Staying up late to work or study
- She had been burning the midnight oil to finish her project on time.
- He’s always burning the midnight oil, preparing for exams until the early hours.
Food for thought signifies an idea or topic that encourages reflection or contemplation. It suggests intellectual nourishment, provoking deep thinking.
Burning the midnight oil refers to working late into the night, especially on tasks that require significant effort. It emphasizes dedication or the pursuit of goals, often at the expense of sleep.
Wild Wisdom: Animal Comparisons in Metaphors
The Black Sheep
- A person who is different from or excluded by their family or community
- He was always the black sheep of the family, choosing a different path from everyone else.
- In the group, she felt like the black sheep, never quite fitting in with the others.
The Early Bird
- Someone who wakes up early or takes advantage of opportunities early
- She’s always the early bird, arriving before everyone else at work.
- The early bird catches the worm, so he made sure to get to the sale before it opened.
A Lone Wolf
- A person who prefers to act independently
- He’s always been a lone wolf, preferring to work alone rather than in teams.
- As a lone wolf, she enjoys traveling by herself and rarely seeks company.
The black sheep describes someone who stands out, usually in a negative way, from a group or family. It implies that the person is seen as an outsider or a misfit.
The early bird emphasizes the value of seizing opportunities or being proactive. It is often used to describe people who are early risers or those who take advantage of situations before others do.
A lone wolf describes someone who operates independently, often preferring solitude. It draws on the image of a wolf, which sometimes isolates itself from the pack, to characterize self-reliance and independence.
Vivid Metaphors: Exploring Color and Appearance
A Silver Lining
- A positive aspect in an otherwise negative situation
- Even though the project failed, there was a silver lining—the team learned valuable lessons for the future.
- After losing his job, the silver lining was that he had time to start his own business.
A Blank Canvas
- A situation or person with limitless potential, ready to be shaped
- Her new job felt like a blank canvas, full of possibilities to paint her future.
- Every new day is a blank canvas, just waiting for you to add your mark.
A silver lining refers to finding something positive in a difficult or bad situation. It draws on the image of a silver edge around dark clouds, symbolizing hope or optimism amid challenges.
A blank canvas describes something or someone that has infinite possibilities, with no previous marks or limitations, much like an untouched canvas waiting to be painted.
Sage Metaphors: Exploring Wisdom and Intelligence
A Fountain of Knowledge
- A person who is extremely knowledgeable
- The professor was a fountain of knowledge, always willing to share her insights with her students.
- Whenever they had a question, they turned to their grandmother, the fountain of knowledge in the family.
A Walking Encyclopedia
- Someone who has vast knowledge on many subjects
- Tim is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to history; he can recall even the smallest details.
- Whenever we have a question, we ask Jane—she’s a walking encyclopedia of random facts.
A fountain of knowledge describes someone who possesses vast knowledge or wisdom, likening their ability to share information to a fountain that continuously provides water.
A walking encyclopedia refers to a person who possesses extensive knowledge, similar to how an encyclopedia contains information on many topics.
Dynamic Metaphors: Exploring Movement and Agility
On the Fast Track
- Moving quickly toward success or a goal
- After his promotion, John was on the fast track to becoming the company’s youngest executive.
- The new start-up is on the fast track, already attracting significant investors.
A Rolling Stone
- Someone who doesn’t settle in one place or stay in one job for long
- David has always been a rolling stone, moving from city to city and never staying in one place for more than a year.
As a rolling stone, she found it hard to maintain long-term relationships, always on the move.
On the fast track describes someone or something moving rapidly toward a goal, especially in terms of career success. It suggests speed and efficiency, like being on a fast-moving train toward a destination.
A rolling stone refers to a person who is constantly moving or changing, often in the context of never settling down. It suggests that, like a stone that keeps rolling, such a person avoids gathering commitments or roots.
Towering Metaphors: Exploring Physical Attributes
A Tower of Strength
- Someone who provides great support and reliability
- During the crisis, Sarah was a tower of strength, keeping the family together and calm.
- His mother was a tower of strength, always there to lend support whenever it was needed.
A Rock
- Someone who is extremely dependable and steadfast
- Through all the challenges, she remained a Rock, unshaken and reliable.
- In times of crisis, John is the Rock for his family, offering stability and strength.
A tower of strength describes someone who is very strong, supportive, and reliable, like a tall, solid tower that withstands adversity.
A rock refers to someone who is immovable, dependable, and consistently supportive, much like the famous Rock of Gibraltar, a symbol of strength and endurance.
Sound Sensations: Exploring Hearing in Similes
Fall on Deaf Ears
- To be ignored or disregarded
- Her pleas for help fell on deaf ears as no one in the room responded.
- Despite his warnings, the advice fell on deaf ears, and the project failed.
Music to My Ears
- Something that is very pleasing to hear
- When the doctor said the surgery was successful, it was music to my ears.
- The news of her promotion was music to her ears after all the hard work she’d put in.
Fall on deaf ears means that someone’s words or requests were ignored or not taken seriously. It suggests a lack of response, as if the person being addressed was unable or unwilling to hear.
Music to my ears describes something that is very pleasant to hear, often news or information that brings joy or relief. It evokes the idea of music as something universally pleasing.
Blended Metaphors: Exploring Multiple Themes
A Ray of Sunshine
- Someone or something that brings happiness or positivity
- Her cheerful attitude was a ray of sunshine in the office, brightening everyone’s day.
- The news of the baby’s birth was a ray of sunshine during a difficult time.
A Bull in a China Shop
- Someone who behaves clumsily or recklessly, often causing damage
- When he tried to help, he was like a bull in a china shop, knocking things over and causing more problems.
- The new intern was a bull in a china shop, disrupting the careful order of the workspace.
- A ray of sunshine describes someone or something that brings warmth, happiness, or hope, like the literal sunshine that brightens a dark day.
- A bull in a china shop describes someone who is clumsy or reckless, especially in delicate situations. It evokes the image of a large, uncontrollable animal in a place full of fragile items.
6 - Metaphor Practice Exercises
PART 1
Exercise 1: Matching Game Match
Metaphors:
- Life is a roller coaster
- He has a heart of gold
- Time is a thief
- She’s a walking encyclopedia
- His idea was a light bulb moment
- It fell on deaf ears
- His words were music to my ears
Meanings:
- a. He ignored the advice or suggestion.
- b. Life is full of ups and downs.
- c. He is very kind and generous.
- d. Time passes quickly, and things are taken away.
- e. She is very knowledgeable on many subjects.
- f. His words were very pleasant to hear.
- g. The idea suddenly made sense or became clear.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank
- Despite the chaos around her, Emma felt like her life was ______________.
- Jack’s gesture was so generous; he truly has ______________.
- No one paid attention to her warnings; they ______________.
- After studying hard for months, her success was ______________.
- His presentation was so clear that everyone had ______________
- As soon as the project was explained, there was _____________
- Hearing that the event was canceled was ______________ to my ears.
Exercise 3: Complete the Sentence
- The long journey reminded me that sometimes ______________.
- Despite the hectic schedule, her kindness showed she has ______________.
- When the concept was finally explained, I had ______________.
- His warnings about the storm ______________.
- With every compliment, it was ______________.
- His vast knowledge of science made him seem like ______________.
- After hearing the approval, it felt like ______________.
Advanced Bonus Exercise
- How does the metaphor “life is a rollercoaster” effectively capture the unpredictability of life?
- What qualities of gold make it an effective metaphor for describing someone’s character as valuable and generous?
- Why is time referred to as a thief in the metaphor? How does this reflect our experiences with time?
- How does comparing someone to a walking encyclopedia emphasize their intelligence and memory?
- Why is the image of a lightbulb used to describe moments of sudden clarity or realization?
- In what way does the metaphor “fell on deaf ears” illustrate being ignored or disregarded?
- How does the metaphor “music to my ears” convey pleasure and satisfaction from hearing good news?
PART 2
In this section we have 10 simple and 10 advanced multiple choice questions.
Simple Multiple Choice Exercise
1. He has a heart of stone.
a) He is very strong.
b) He is very kind.
c) He is cold and unfeeling.
d) He is brave.
2. The classroom was a zoo.
a) The classroom was full of animals.
b) The classroom was chaotic.
c) The classroom was well-organized.
d) The classroom was noisy but controlled.
3. She’s a shining star.
a) She is famous.
b) She is full of energy.
c) She is talented and admired.
d) She is burning bright.
4. His words were music to my ears.
a) His words were soft and gentle.
b) His words were confusing.
c) His words were pleasant and welcome.
d) His words were harsh and loud.
5. The world is a stage.
a) Life is like a play.
b) Everyone acts differently.
c) People always perform in front of others.
d) Life is a performance and we all have roles to play.
6. Her voice was a whisper in the wind.
a) Her voice was quiet and soothing.
b) Her voice was strong and commanding.
c) Her voice was fast and fleeting.
d) Her voice was carried by the wind.
7. His ideas are light bulbs in the dark.
a) His ideas are small and bright.
b) His ideas are confusing.
c) His ideas bring clarity and insight.
d) His ideas are hard to see.
8. Time is a thief.
a) Time moves slowly.
b) Time takes things away.
c) Time is valuable.
d) Time is unpredictable.
9. The stars in the sky are diamonds.
a) The stars are expensive.
b) The stars are very bright.
c) The stars are high in the sky.
d) The stars are valuable and beautiful.
10. Life is a roller coaster.
a) Life is exciting and full of ups and downs.
b) Life is predictable.
c) Life is fast and dangerous.
d) Life is smooth and easy.
Advanced Multiple Choice Exercise
1. His mind is a steel trap.
a) His mind is slow but methodical.
b) His mind is quick and sharp.
c) His mind is closed off to new ideas.
d) His mind is tough and resilient.
2. Her emotions were a whirlwind.
a) Her emotions were calm and collected.
b) Her emotions were confusing.
c) Her emotions were powerful and unpredictable.
d) Her emotions were constantly changing.
3. The night was a blanket of darkness.
a) The night was comforting.
b) The night was cold.
c) The night covered everything in darkness.
d) The night was peaceful and quiet.
4. His smile was a ray of sunshine.
a) His smile was bright and cheerful.
b) His smile was artificial.
c) His smile was warm but distant.
d) His smile was fake.
5. The silence was deafening.
a) The silence was peaceful.
b) The silence was so overwhelming it felt loud.
c) The silence was comforting.
d) The silence was awkward.
6. The project was a mountain to climb.
a) The project was easy and straightforward.
b) The project required hard work and persistence.
c) The project was impossible.
d) The project was exciting and fun.
7. Her eyes were windows to her soul.
a) Her eyes revealed her true emotions.
b) Her eyes were very large.
c) Her eyes were difficult to read.
d) Her eyes were closed off and private.
8. The city was a jungle.
a) The city was overgrown with trees.
b) The city was full of danger and excitement.
c) The city was busy and chaotic.
d) The city was full of wildlife.
9. He has a heart of gold.
a) He is wealthy.
b) He is very kind and generous.
c) He is difficult to understand.
d) He is tough and resilient.
10. Her laughter was a symphony.
a) Her laughter was loud and chaotic.
b) Her laughter was musical and pleasant.
c) Her laughter was confusing and strange.
d) Her laughter was quiet but nice.
7 - Metaphor Q & A
What is the definition of a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes an implied comparison between two unlike things by saying that one thing is another thing. It describes something by comparing it to something else, even though the comparison isn’t literally true. For example, saying “My heart is a rock” suggests emotional hardness — not that your heart is literally made of stone.
What’s the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A simile makes a comparison using the words “like” or “as” (e.g., “He’s as fast as lightning”), while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words (e.g., “He is lightning on the track”). So if a simile compares, a metaphor declares.
Where are metaphors used?
Metaphors are used in literature, song lyrics, advertising, and everyday speech to create vivid imagery or simplify complex ideas. Writers like Emily Dickinson and Shakespeare famously used metaphors to stir emotion and paint memorable images. The phrase “The world’s a stage” is one of the most well-known metaphors in English.
Do metaphors help understanding?
Yes, metaphors help readers or listeners by making difficult ideas easier to understand. They create strong mental pictures that stick in the reader’s mind, especially when describing objects or ideas with similar characteristics.
Can metaphors be negative?
Absolutely. For example, “He has a heart of stone” or “She’s a snake” use metaphors to describe negative traits. A metaphor can reveal admiration (“heart of gold”) or distrust depending on the comparison made.
Is it possible to overuse metaphors?
Yes — using too many metaphors or mixing two unrelated metaphors can confuse readers. Keep your imagery clear and consistent to avoid distraction.
Are metaphors used only in English?
No. Most languages use metaphors, though the specific comparisons often reflect cultural differences. Teaching metaphors to students in their native language can also encourage your child to explore figurative meaning in English.
Useful Information About Metaphors
Metaphors are a literary device that help you say something is something else in a creative way. For example, “Her voice is music to my ears” makes a direct comparison between a voice and music.
A metaphor works by replacing one object or idea with another that shares similar characteristics. It’s not literally true, but it brings your point across with powerful imagery.
Here are some famous examples of metaphors in literature and life:
- “The world’s a stage” (Shakespeare)
- “He has a heart of gold”
- “Time is a thief”
- “My heart is a battlefield” (Emily Dickinson-like phrasing)
- “Ideas are fragile eggs”
These metaphors often combine two unrelated things — like time and theft — but they help us understand the literal meaning by creating a mental shortcut.
Metaphors work best when they:
- Are based on strong imagery or shared understanding
- Avoid mixing two unrelated metaphors
- Are not overused
- Can be extended across several lines (in poetry or essays)
Using direct metaphors like “He’s a rock” makes writing feel bold. Metaphors without “like” or “as” are often more memorable and poetic than similes.
References
[1] Merriam-Webster Dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metaphor
[2] Cambridge dictionary https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/metaphor
If you want to see other types of expression visit our dedicated page: Types of English Expressions
