Metaphor is
a figure of speech which makes an implicit, implied or hidden comparison between
two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics. In other
words, a resemblance of two contradictory or different objects is made based on
a single or some common characteristics.
In simple
English, when you portray a person, place, thing, or an action as being something else, even though
it is not actually that
“something else,” you are speaking metaphorically. “He is the black sheep
of the family” is a metaphor because he is not a sheep and is not even black.
However, we can use this comparison to describe an association of a black sheep
with that person. A black sheep is an unusual animal and typically stays away
from the herd, and the person you are describing shares similar
characteristics.
Furthermore,
a metaphor develops a comparison which is different from a simile. We do not use “like” or “as” to develop a comparison in a metaphor.
It actually makes an implicit or hidden comparison and not an explicit one.
Common Speech Examples
of Metaphors
Most of us think of a metaphor as a device used in songs or poems only, and
that it has nothing to do with our everyday life. In fact, all of us in our
routine life speak, write and think in metaphors. We cannot avoid them.
Metaphors are sometimes constructed through our common language. They are
called conventional metaphors. Calling a person a “night owl” or an “early
bird” or saying “life is a journey” are common conventional metaphor examples
commonly heard and understood by most of us. Below are some more conventional
metaphors we often hear in our daily life:
- My brother was boiling mad. (This implies he was too angry.)
- The assignment was a breeze. (This implies that the assignment was not difficult.)
- It is going to be clear skies from now on. (This implies that clear skies are not a threat and life is going to be without hardships)
- The skies of his future began to darken. (Darkness is a threat; therefore, this implies that the coming times are going to be hard for him.)
- Her voice is music to his ears. (This implies that her voice makes him feel happy)
Functions
From the
above arguments, explanations and examples, we can easily infer the function of
metaphors; both in our daily lives and in a piece of literature. Using
appropriate metaphors appeals directly to the senses of listeners or readers,
sharpening their imaginations to comprehend what is being communicated to them.
Moreover, it gives a life-like quality to our conversations and to the
characters of the fiction
or poetry. Metaphors are also ways of thinking, offering the listeners and the
readers fresh ways of examining ideas and viewing the world.
Metaphor