Metaphor example Metaphorical sense Original sense

I'm not an angel, but I a spiritual being believed to be a messenger

wouldn't behave like that.
America is a melting pot.
John is a real pig when he
eats.
My father is a rock.
How could she marry a
snake like that!
The policeman let him off
with a yellow card.
exemplary person
of God
place where different peoples, styles a container in which metals or other
and cultures are mixed together materials are melted and mixed
greedy person a four-legged animal kept for meat (pork)
very strong or reliable person a hard, mineral material made of stone
a long, limbless reptile (eg: cobra, python,
traitor or deceiver
viper)
(in soccer) a yellow card that the referee
warning
shows to players when cautioning them

All the above metaphors (the simplest form) are nouns. But there are other ways of making metaphors. Below
are some examples with verbs or adjectives.

Metaphor example Original sense of the word (example)

The committee shot her ideas down one by one. Anti-aircraft guns shoot down planes.
The private detective dug up enough evidence to
Dogs like to bury bones and dig them up later.
convince the police to act.
He broke into her conversation. Burglars break into buildings.
The new movie was very popular. People flocked to
Birds flock together before they migrate.
see it.
Some computer hard drives spin at over 10,000
His head was spinning with ideas.
revolutions per minute.
You need to start with twigs and small branches when
Reading that book kindled my interest in politics.
you kindle a camp fire.
Tim lost his job after a heated argument with his boss. We have a heated swimming pool.
The new car's sexy design increased sales for the
Some women think that lipstick makes them look sexy.
company.
He was dressed rather vulgarly in a loud checked suit. I can't hear you because the radio is too loud.
It wasn't long before their relationship turned sour. Sour food has an acid taste like lemon or vinegar.
1. The night was a blanket of darkness.

2. The clouds had closed the eye of the moon and hidden the stars beyond it.

3. The storm broke like an enemy ambush.

4. Drops of rain fell like bullets onto my bare head.

5. The cold wind cut through my jacket like a knife.

6. The thunder crashed around me until my head was ringing like a bell.

7. The lightning was as explosive as a grenade.

8. The lights in the distance seemed as far away as the stars.

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Subject Figure Literal Meaning