How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Metaphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor

Metaphor is one of the most complex and powerful tools of language and hence gets a section all to itself.

Metaphor basics: Understanding metaphor.
- Metaphor definition: The basics of what metaphors are.
- Parts of a metaphor: The individual elements of metaphors.
- How metaphors work: How metaphors work in practice.
Physical metaphors: Taken from the 'real world'.
- Metaphors and things: Making concepts concrete.
- Metaphors and space: The power of three dimensions.
- Metaphors and time: Casting time into space.
- Metaphors and energy: Different forms of energy, different metaphors.
Sensory metaphors: That directly address our five senses.
- Metaphors and touch: Addressing what we feel.
- Metaphors and sight: Addressing what we see.
- Metaphors and sound: Addressing what we hear.
- Metaphors, taste and smell: Addressing the gustatory senses.
Types of metaphor: Ways of classifying metaphors.
- Absolute metaphor: Separated subject and vehicle.
- Active metaphor: New and not established.
- Complex metaphor: Multi-layered.
- Compound metaphor: With many parts.
- Concrete metaphor: Using physical comparisons.
- Dead metaphor: Normal language, no longer recognized as metaphor.
- Dormant metaphor: Weak connection between vehicle and subject.
- Dying metaphor: Unfashionable cliché.
- Extended metaphor: One subject, many sub-elements.
- Implicit metaphor: Incomplete description.
- Mixed metaphor: Mismatched combination of metaphors.
- Pataphor: Extreme form of metaphor.
- Root metaphor: Unrealized basic driver.
- Simple metaphor: Single meaning and linkage.
- Submerged metaphor: Use a part as a metaphor for something else.
- Synechdochic metaphor: Use a part as metaphor for the whole.
Speech parts and metaphor: Metaphor in grammar.
- Adjective metaphors: Enhancing noun metaphors.
- Adverb metaphors: Enhancing verbs.
- Noun metaphors: Standard A is B metaphor.
- Prepositions and metaphor: Using prepositions to extend metaphor.
- Verb metaphors: Metaphors of action.
Using metaphor
- Creativity and metaphor: Making the strange familiar and the familiar strange.
- Everyday use of metaphor: Embedded in the language and culture.
- Metaphor and politeness: Using euphemisms to avoid embarrassment.
- Poetry and metaphor: Stimulating with word painting.
- Therapeutic use of metaphor: Helping people explore and heal the inner world.

Metaphor

See also