Metaphors

Metaphors and similes belong to a group of literary

devices known as figures of speech. Metaphors are

indirect comparisons while similes are direct
comparisons.
Following are examples of metaphors used in

everyday language. Their use makes the

description more vivid.

Metaphor

Meaning

Example

aped

Suggests an imitation
like that of a monkey
copying the actions of a
person

As she danced, he aped

her movements much to
the amusement of the
people around them.

burrowed

Suggests that he has

He burrowed deeper into
crawled further under
the blankets when the
his blankets, like a rabbit night grew colder.
squirming deep into its
burrow

clouded

Suggests that worry is

like a cloud darkening
his feelings, bringing
dismay and anxiety over
his sons progress in
school

His eyes clouded with

worry when he saw his
sons report card.

crumpled

Suggests her composure

breaking and her face
collapsing into a woeful
expression as her tears
come down

Her face crumpled and

she cried when they told
her that she had not won
any prize in the singing
competition.