metaphor
Word family adjectivemetaphoricadverbmetaphoricallynounmetaphoristmetaphor
met·a·phor /ˈmetəfə, -fɔː $ -fɔːr/ ●●○ noun [countableC, uncountableU] n COLLOCATIONS – Meanings 1 & 2verbsuse a metaphorTo use her own metaphor, she is a caged bird who wants to fly free.
extend a metaphor (=to use other metaphors with a similar idea)The poem extends the metaphor of food still further.
borrow a metaphor from something (=use a metaphor from another subject, book etc)To borrow an architectural metaphor, you cannot see the whole building if you focus on the individual bricks.
adjectivesa powerful metaphor (=one that works very well)His election campaign used the powerful metaphor of ‘building a bridge to the next century’.
a vivid metaphor (=one that gives you a picture in your mind)The book is full of vivid metaphors and powerful images.
an appropriate/apt metaphor (=a very suitable one)Building on sand is an apt metaphor for the challenge we face.
a central metaphor (=one that a poem or book is based around)The poet as something carried by the ocean is a central metaphor in the book.
a mixed metaphor (=the use of two different metaphors at the same time to describe something, especially in a way that seems silly or funny)In a mixed metaphor, she said ‘he stepped up to the plate and took the bull by the horns.’
a religious/military/biological etc metaphorHe uses a military metaphor to describe these women as ‘storming’ the castle of male power.
Origin metaphor