VIEs on Metaphors

Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a comparison is made between two unrelated things.

Metaphors carry meaning from one word, image or idea to another.

Simile versus Metaphor

Simile MetaphorOne quality of the first object is compared with the second object.

The first object is identified with ALL qualities of the second object.

Simile versus Metaphor

Simile MetaphorJohn is as busy as a bee.

John is a bee.

VIEs on Metaphors

Time is a thief Meaning: Time passes quickly without us realising.Example: Engulfed in her project, Charmaine looked up and realised that time is a thief.

Words were bulletsMeaning: What you say can hurt others.Example: As Shawn turned away from her with a pained expression, Pamela understood that her words were bullets to him.

16 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

Sea of grief

Meaning: Intense distress and sufferingExample: He drowned in a sea of grief as he heard about his mother’s death.

Sea of nameless facesMeaning: A crowd of people whom someone does not know.Example: The new student was lost in the sea of nameless faces.

17 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

A bed of roses Meaning: A comfortable or luxurious situation. Example: Studying part time while working is not a bed of roses.

Rollercoaster of emotionsMeaning: Experiencing many ups and down in your emotions.Example: While preparing for the important competition, all the students were on a rollercoaster of emotions.

18 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

Road map of wrinklesMeaning: Experienced in one’s field of work.Example: The knowledgeable surgeon, who had performed more than five hundred surgeries successfully, was a road map of wrinkles.

A river of ideasMeaning: Someone who has many ideas.Example: The boss was pleased with Jasper as he was a river of ideas.

22 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

House of cards on a crooked tableMeaning: Something that is not easily achieved.Example: Arya’s plan to find a suitable timing for all his friends to meet was a house of cards on a crooked table.

A rope ladder dropped from heavenMeaning: A great opportunity.Example: Being selected for the debate team was a rope ladder dropped from heaven for Sri to showcase her skills.

23 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

Heart of stoneMeaning: Unkind or cruel.Example: My neighbour who pushed my potted plants and broke them on purpose has a heart of stone.

Icy gazeMeaning: Unfriendly, unkind or showing feelings of dislike or anger.Example: My eyes met my inconsiderate neighbour’s icy gaze.

24 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

Getting under my skinMeaning: Bothersome or annoying.Example: My parents’ constant nagging is getting under my skin.

Glued to their seatsMeaning: To be so interested and involved in something that you cannot move.Example: When their favourite comedy was televised, the boys were glued to their seats.

25 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

With a wooden faceMeaning: Displaying no emotions.Example: The detective listened to her tales with a wooden face.

A walk in the parkMeaning: Something that is easy.Example: As algebra was Deborah’s favourite topic, the test was a walk in the park for her.

26 April 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

He was toastMeaning: He was in deep trouble.Example: Zhao Hui knew he was toast for forgetting to complete his homework.

Legs were waxMeaning: Unable to move one’s legs.Example: Rachel wanted to run away from the suspicious-looking man approaching her but her legs were wax.

2 May 2013

VIEs on Metaphors

A parked taxi with the meter runningMeaning: Very expensive.Example: Sarah’s hospital bill was a parked taxi with a meter running.

Bridge over troubled water Meaning: Solution to a problem.Example: As Keith’s grades dropped, he knew that spending less time on computer games will be his bridge over troubled water.

3 May 2013