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

Simple metaphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor > Simple metaphor

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

A simple metaphor has a single link between the subject and the metaphoric vehicle. The vehicle thus has a single meaning which is transferred directly to the subject.

Example

Cool down! [Cool = temperature]

He was mad. [mad = anger]

I'll chew on it. [chew = think]

Discussion

In the simple metaphor, the cognitive effort to understand what the author or speaker intends is relatively low, and hence it may easily be used with a wider and less sophisticated audience.

The simple metaphor may be contrasted against metaphors which have multiple elements and meanings, for example in the compound metaphor or complex metaphor.

A simple metaphor is also known as a tight metaphor.