Metaphor is used by most writers to add colorful meaning and description to the texts, both poems and stories. In simple terms, we use metaphors to compare objects or persons with other objects, animals, or nature. By comparing, it is easy to relate and imagine the subject. It also helps us create better images and imagine better because of the similarities between both objects. Remember, by creating a strong metaphor, you are giving a better visual to the listener and reader. You can learn more about metaphors here. Below are the examples of most common metaphors that we can divide into five basic types: animal metaphor, nature metaphor, everyday metaphor, people metaphor, and implied metaphor.
Animal Metaphors
We use animal metaphors while comparing something to an animal when the person or an object is not an animal. Here are a few examples:
- Sarah’s got eagle eyes, doesn’t she?
- If you are looking for Tommy, there he is. That man is a giraffe.
- Be careful of that lady. She is a chameleon.
- ‘Oh no!’ The teacher sighed, ‘This classroom is a zoo.’
- If you love reading at night, you are a night owl.
- My grandmother is a dragon. Don’t annoy her.
- I’ve been a busy beaver today. Jackie is a scaredy-cat. She is easily afraid of everything.
- Noel is a cheeky monkey, but he is a very hardworking child.
- You are not returning my calls. It’s not like you’re a busy bee.
- Another minute in this sun, and I’ll be a lobster.
Nature Metaphors
Nature metaphors are used to compare something to any elements of nature. Here are a few examples:
- Father rained on his children when he asked them to do the house chores.
- You are my sunshine, my only sunshine… you make me happy!
- Patrick is a couch potato and hates playing sports.
- Janice’s inbox is flooded with spam emails.
- Nora and Jemmy are two peas in a pod. They always help each other.
- Up in the sky clouds are cotton balls.
- Whoa, you are a volcano about to explode; calm down!
- My room is a jungle without animals.
- The wolf’s eyes were onyx as it looked at its prey.
- The floor is a snow blanket.
People metaphors
When we compare a person with another person, whether they are famous or someone from a family or friend group is a people metaphor. Here are a few examples:
- Justin won the science fair; he is Einstein!
- Look at Goldie, playing the piano beautifully! She is little Beethoven.
- Stuart is Jonah of the team. Always refusing to follow the orders.
- Luke is Michael Jordan of my team; he’s so dedicated to the game.
- When it comes to eating, Gerry is my grandfather; he loves pizzas!
- Jesse is a saint; he saved me from getting embarrassed when I forgot my purse at the coffee shop.
- Kyle is Tarzan! He loves jumping from tree to tree.
- Hannah is so beautiful in her new costume. You’d see she is Cleopatra.
- Are you Queen Elizabeth? You don’t have to be so poised all the time.
- Liam is Uncle Jack when he keeps whining for everything.
Everyday metaphors
When you compare something or someone with things and situations that impact us daily becomes an everyday metaphor. Here are a few examples:
- Matt’s room is a disaster zone. He hates cleaning it even during his holidays.
- My teacher is a walking thesaurus and has an answer for everything.
- Joy was dull as a dishwasher; he didn’t understand my joke.
- i am so done with my roller coaster life; I need a holiday!
- ‘Enough wasting time,’ the manager said, ‘remember, time is money!’
- Orlando’s voice is music to their family’s ears. They enjoy his practice.
- Your brain must be a computer if you can handle calculations without a calculator.
- King Bruce had an iron heart, but his people still loved him.
- Ollie is an angel; she carried all the luggage into my new room.
- My football coach is a mammoth.
Implied metaphors
When you compare one person to another with different things without mentioning one of them is an implied metaphor. Remember, when you compare an inanimate object to animals or nature, it is an implied metaphor as well as personification. Here are a few examples:
- Caleb hissed in his mother’s ears, asking for candies. (Caleb is compared to snake)
- Nathan orbited his father at the supermarket until he got his toy. ( Nathan is compared to a planet)
- ‘Your words sting,’ Julia said. ‘Why are you so mean? I just asked your pen.’ (Julia is compared to a bee)
- Little babies’ smiles radiate our lives and bring us happiness. (Babies’ smiles are compared to the sun)
- As soon as Samantha received her gift, she galloped back to the garden. (Samantha is compared to a horse)
- Will squeaks every time someone wins a goal during a football match. (Will is compared to a mouse)
- Oh wow, be careful with your words. Neal is likely to erupt in anger. (Neal is compared to a volcano)
- Tiny Tim was buzzing at the dinner table, waiting for his favorite dessert. (Tiny Tim is compared to a fly/bee)
- The wind was howling during that stormy night. (The wind is compared to a wolf)
- Joey ignored the bullies and walked away without arguing with them. ‘Yea, tuck your tail and run, Joey! You are coward,’ they screamed. (Joey is compared to a frightened dog)