Figurative Language

Giving human qualities or attributes to non-human entities or objects. Example: "The wind whispered through the trees"

A situation where the opposite of what is expected to happen occurs. There are different types of this figurative language including verbal, situational, and dramatic.

What does "I've told you a million times" mean? What type of figurative language is it?

What does "I'm pulling your leg" mean?

A direct comparison between two unrelated things, suggesting that they are alike in some way. Does not use "like" or "as". Example: "Time is a thief"

Exaggerating for emphasis or effect. Example: "I've told you a million times"

What does it mean when somebody is "happy as a clam"? And what type of figurative language is it?

Repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. Example: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"

What does "the wildfire ran through the forest at an amazing speed" mean? What type of figurative language is it?

A combination of contradictory or opposite words. Example: "Deafening silence"

What type of figurative language are words like "buzz" and "bang"?

What does "Raining cats and dogs"?

What does "time flies when you're having fun" mean? What type of figurative language is it?

What does "the leaves waved at me" mean? What type of figurative language is it?

A play on words that relies on a word's multiple meanings or similar sounds. Example: "I used to be a baker because I kneaded dough"

Words that imitate the sound they describe. Example: "Buzz, hiss, clang"

What does it mean when you say somebody is a "couch potato"?

What does "Don't cry over spilled milk" mean?

Repetition of consonant sounds within nearby words. Example: "He struck a streak of bad luck"

Substituting a milder or less direct expression for a harsh or blunt one. Example: "Passed away" instead of "Died"

Comparing two things using "like" or "as". Example: "Brave as a lion"

What does "A penny for your thoughts" mean?

A phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal interpretation. Example: "Kick the bucket"

Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.