Metaphor is a figure of speech where there is an implied comparison betwen two objects, persons or situations. Metaphor does not state, like a simile, that one thing is or acts like another thing. Metaphor states that the two things are one and in a manner identical. Metaphor is a figure of of identification, e.g. Her eyes are like pearls. (The comparison is implied. Eyes are identified with pearls. Unlike a simile there is no use of ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Metaphor is usually expressed in the following forms:
1. Explicit identification:
- The camel is the ship of the desert.
- Procrastination is the thief of time.
- Old age is the sunset of life.
- Idleness is the nursery of sinful thoughts.
2. By the use of ‘of’:
- He was faced by a sea of troubles.
- Let us fight with the weapon of truth.
- Hold fast to the anchor of faith, hope and charity. (Anchor in the form of faith etc. ‘Anchor’ is identified with “faith’ etc.)
- The tree of liberty only grows when watered by the blood of tyrants. (‘Tree’ in the form of ‘liberty’; ‘water’ in the form of ‘blood’.)
3. Expressed through a verb:
- The ship ploughs the sea.
- Remorse gnawed at his heart.
- Do not ape the manners of the rich.
- Our country is being drained of its resources.
4.A whole sentence: Sometimes a whole sentence is metaphricallyy used to fit in a particular situation. If a man, for example , goes on changing his jobs, we merely tell him, “Well, sir, A rolling stone gathers no moss“.
Similarly:
- He is sowing wild oats.
- The cat was out of the bag.
- He hit the nail on the head.
- Make hay while the sun shines.
These are all examples of Metaphor.
5.Expressed in a phrase ( where the objects of identity are not clearly expressed):
Through nouns:
- At last there is a ray of hope.
- He laid down the reigns of his office.
- They spread the light of knowledge.
- There is not a shade of doubt in it.
Through adjectives:
- He had a fiery temper.
- There was a stormy discussion in the meeting.
- She has a rosy complexion.
- He has a stony heart.
