Metaphor

Activity 1

What does the term metaphor mean?

Can you think of an example? 

A metaphor is when a word or phrase is used to suggest a resemblance to a another thing or action. 

A metaphor uses language in a figurative - not literal - sense. 

When we call someone a sly fox we are implying that their behaviour is similar to a fox i.e. sneaky or crafty. 

What other animal metaphors can you think of? 

Activity 2

Copy down this list of common animals: bird, duck, fish, hog, horse, owl, pig

• What are their well-known characteristics? 
• Can you think of any metaphors or sayings about each one?

Look at the following eight metaphors.

Guess the missing animal from the list you copied down to complete each phrase! 

1. A cold Answer 1fish

a person who seems to be unfeeling

2. A dark Answer 2horse

a person who surprises everyone due to their unexpected abilities

3. A guinea Answer 3pig

a volunteer for medical experiments

4. A lame Answer 4duck

someone who has lost their power and authority

5. A night Answer 5owl

a person who enjoys staying up at night

6. An odd Answer 6fish

an eccentric person

7. A rare Answer 7bird

an exceptional person

8. A road Answer 8hog

an inconsiderate driver who monopolises the road

Activity 3

Another set of examples used in metaphors are body parts. 

Can you think of any examples?

For example: Their car broke down, so they pulled over on the hard shoulder.

Here's another list of seven sentences that all use body part metaphors. This time you haven't been given the metaphor words in advance.

See how many you can complete before checking the answers on the following slide.

1. They decided to park the car at the ______ of the hill and walk up. 
2. One of the table ______ is broken. 
3. Mark tried the t-shirt on but the ______ was too wide. 
4. Why aren't you talking? Have you lost your ______? 
5. Jenny's favourite tea is chips, baked beans and fish ______. 
6. He kept his eye on the stopwatch and follwed the second ______ keenly. 
7. The ______ of the cave was overgrown with gorse and brambles.

1. They decided to park the car at the foot of the hill and walk up. 
2. One of the table legs is broken. 
3. Mark tried the t-shirt on but the neck was too wide. 
4. Why aren't you talking? Have you lost your tongue? 
5. Jenny's favourite tea is chips, baked beans and fish fingers. 
6. He kept his eye on the stopwatch and follwed the second hand keenly. 
7. The mouth of the cave was overgrown with gorse and brambles.

With a partner, discuss how the body part word is used metaphorically in each sentence. 

Activity 4

Another well-known set of words used in metaphors is plants and trees. 

Make a mindmap of as many words related to plants and tress as you can think of. Then, choose at least four words and write a sentence using a well-known metaphor. 

Compare your answers with a partner - do you understand the meaning of all the metaphors?