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Metaphor en
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A metaphor is a word or phrase that means one thing and is used to refer to another thing in order al
to emphasize their similar qualities. For example, in the sentence “Picasso was the father of the
Cubist movement”, the word father is not used in its usual sense to mean someone's male parent. It V
means that Picasso was the person who started the Cubist movement, or that he was the first one oc
to do it successfully. Father is being used in a metaphorical way. Metaphors are a bit like idioms (see ab
pages 15 – 22), because the words and expressions are not being used with their literal meaning.
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The following exercises look at some common metaphors that are used in different situations. ar
Exercise 1: achievements, ideas, and theories
Metaphorically, achievements, ideas, and theories are often seen as buildings, with an idea or the
process of achieving something being similar to the process of building, and the failure of something
being similar to the destruction of a building. Metaphorically, ideas are also like plants, and
developing an idea is like getting plants to grow.
Complete sentences 1 – 20 with a word or expression from the box. In several cases you will need to
change the form of the words. The first one has been done for you.

architect blueprintbuild onbuild up buttresscollapseconstructdeep-rooted

demolish edificefertile fruitful ground-breakinglay the foundations ruins
sow the seedsstem fromtake roottoweringunder construction

1. The newspaper article threatened the whole edifice of government, from the President all
the way down to grass-roots politicians.

2. The company directors were convinced people would want their new product, but then
early research and negative feedback began to sow the seeds of doubt in their
minds.

3. His argument was carefully constructed and was extremely difficult to dispute.

4. Her ideas were carefully buttressed by a series of results showing that they had been put into
practice and actually worked.

5. Superstitious beliper are deep-rooted in any cultures, and nothing can change these beliefs.

6. He was the chief architect of the country's new economic policies.

7. The new government had laid the foundations forradical changes to the voting system, all of
which would be implemented over the next five years.

8. The invention of the microchip was a towering achievement.

9. The contract acted as a blueprint for future cooperation between the two organizations.

10. The business was started in 1986, and over the next 20 years was build up i nto one of the
most powerful companies in the country.

11. The new constitution was built on traditional values and a desire for progress.

12. The website is under construction , but we hope to have it up and running by the end of the month.
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13 The idea seemed good in theory but collapsed when practical tests was fi rst acrried out.
14 The new technology was revolutionary and ground-breaking, but was initially seen as a simple novelty.

15 . His life's work was in ruins , but it did not deter him from starting again.

16 . I put forward several ideas, but to my anger and disappointment each one was comprehensively demolished
by the board.

17. His books were very popular because he had a fertile imagination and a talent for telling a
good story.

18. Nobody believed him at first, but a series of unexplained events meant that his ideas quickly took root
and people were more prepared to listen to him.

19. Her ideas stem from her belief in the existence of life on other planets.

20. The discussion was very fruitful , and we all came away from it believing that at last we were
going to achieve something worthwhile.

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Exercise 2: Other metaphors.
Look at sentences A, B, and C in the following groups, and look especially at the words and
expressions in bold. Then rearrange the letters in italics in the final sentence to make another word
or words. The final sentence should then explain what the metaphors in the first three sentences
are describing. Note that two of the final sentences use the same word. The first one has been
done as an example.
1. (A) Your point of view is indefensible.
(B) There was a lot of conflict over what to do next.
(C) The team clashed over what steps to take next.

Metaphorically, an muntrage is like a fight or a war, with people “attacking” and “defending”.
(Answer = argument)

2. (A) She was one of the brightest students in the class.

(B) As a child, Einstein was believed to have a rather dull mind.
(C) She had a sudden flash of inspiration and began writing down her thoughts.

Metaphorically, ngeelcneilti is like a light. The more you have, the brighter the light is.

(Answer= intelligence)

3. (A) I was wondering if I could rely on your support.

(B) Would you mind lending me a hand with my assignment?
(C) The government helped to prop up the college by offering it a financial grant.

Metaphorically, when you sitsas someone, it is like supporting them physically (for example, with your body).
(Answer= asist )

4. (A) He is often regarded as the greatest writer of the twentieth century.

(B) Everyone agreed that there were some weighty issues to be discussed at the meeting.
(C) The novel received some good reviews, but many people thought it was rather lightweight.

Metaphorically, something that is taprmotni is like something that is big or heavy, and something that is
ntaprmotniu is small or light.
(Answer= important,unimportant)

5. (A) They only succeeded by using their political muscle.

(B) She didn't have the backbone to accept his challenge.
 (C) I know it's difficult, but you have to put your back into it if you want to succeed.

Metaphorically, making an trofef is like using a part of your body. (Answer= effort)

6. (A) You look confused: let me throw some light on the matter.
(B) Her work greatly illuminated this aspect of the subject.
(C) I don't want to be kept in the dark, so please let me know what is happening.

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Metaphorically, when you have gwednloke about something, it is like shining a light on it (and when you lack
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this, it is like being in darkness). al
(Answer=Knowledge)
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7. (A) His new career opened the door to a whole new way of life. oc
(B) Having a University degree is arguably the key to success in life.
(C) Age should be no barrier to success. ab
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Metaphorically, having the roitpoytupn to do something is like having a door or other entrance opened for you.
(Answer= oportunity) ar
8. (A) We unearthed some useful facts and figures.
(B) Her latest book is a goldmine of useful information.
(C) We left no stone unturned in our search for the truth.

Metaphorically, when you oeidrvsc things such as facts and information, it is similar to finding them by digging
or searching in the ground.
(Answer=discover)

9. (A) He originally set out to become a priest, but became involved in politics instead.
(B) At the age of 24, things took an unexpected turn for him.
(C) After six years in the same job, I decided to move on.

Metaphorically, a ilef or raecer path is like a journey.

(Ansewr=life,racer)

10. (A) They put a lot of pressure on him to make change his mind.
(B) The country was dragged reluctantly into war.
(C) I'm sorry to press you for an answer, but we need to know your plans.

Metaphorically, when you ecfro someone to do something, it is like putting physical pressure on them (for
example, by pulling or pushing them).
(Answer=force)