Figurative Language Today we will be discussing the importance of language. Understanding figurative language will help you with both reading and writing.

Objectives After discussing and exploring figurative language, you will be able to define and provide examples of similes, metaphors and idioms. You will also be able to incorporate figurative language into your writings.

Figurative Language Simply put, the term figurative language means language that is more interesting to read or listen to.

Simile A simile compares two things using the words like or as.

The worker was as busy as a bee.

What is the simile comparing? a worker to a bee

I’ll be back quick as a wink! I’ll be right back! What does this simile mean?

His eyesight was not good. Think of a simile that could be used for this sentence.

He was as blind as a bat!

Metaphor A metaphor compares two things without using the words like or as.

The child was a clinging vine to his mother. The child was hanging on to his mother tightly. The child would not let go of his mother.

The growing boy’s stomach was a bottomless pit. The growing boy eats a lot. or The growing boy is always hungry.

Idiom An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of its words.

Take a chill pill! Calm down.

You should just sit pretty. You should wait for a while.

She sure pulled the wool over your eyes. She tricked you or fooled you.

Review Simply put, the term figurative language means language that is more interesting to read or listen to. A simile compares two things using the words like or as. A metaphor compares two things without using the words like or as. An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of its words.

Which is it? Simile, Metaphor or Idiom You can tell by her beautiful garden that Katie has a green thumb.

The sentence is an idiom. The meaning cannot be understood by the literal definition. Katie does not have a green thumb. It is an expression that means she is a good gardener. Idiom

Which is it? Simile, Metaphor or Idiom The stars were diamonds sparkling in the sky.

The sentence is a metaphor. It is comparing two things without using the words like or as. The sentence is comparing the stars to diamonds. It means the stars were very bright and shiny. Metaphor

Which is it? Simile, Metaphor or Idiom If you think I stole the money, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

The sentence is an idiom. The meaning cannot be understood by the literal definition. You are not actually barking up a tree. The expression means that you are wrong or not looking in the direction. Idiom

Which is it? Simile, Metaphor or Idiom The children grew up near a lake and were fish in the water.

The sentence is a metaphor. It is comparing two things without using the words like or as. The sentence is comparing the children to fish. This means they are good swimmers. Metaphor

Which is it? Simile, Metaphor or Idiom After being ran over by the car, the can was as flat as a pancake.

The sentence is a simile. It is comparing two things using the words like or as. The sentence is comparing the can to a pancake. Simile

Which is it? Simile, Metaphor or Idiom The football player cried like a baby after fumbling the football.

The sentence is a simile. It is comparing two things using the words like or as. The sentence is comparing the football player to a baby because he was crying. Simile

A ______ _________ two things using the words _____ or _____. simile compares like as

A ______ _________ two things without using the words _____ or _____. metaphor compares like as

An ______ is an expression that cannot be understood from the literal meaning of its words. idiom