Figurative Language and Meaning

Front

Literal meaning of "He was drowning in a sea of grief."

Back

He was very sad.

Front

Literal meaning of "Time is like a cruel thief."

Back

As time passes, so does life's pleasant moments.

Front

Literal meaning of the metaphor: "John stood and I was in the presence of a skyscraper."

Back

John is tall.

Front

Literal meaning of the personification: "As we walked through the scorching desert, the sun beat down on us."

Back

The sun felt very hot.

Front

Literal meaning of the simile: "Vanessa's eyes filled with tears, pouring down like a waterfall."

Back

Vanessa is crying hard.

Front

Literal meaning of "The class was a circus."

Back

The class was out of control.

Front

Literal meaning of the hyperbole: "Charlie gazed hopelessly at the endless pile of bills on the counter."

Back

There were a lot of bills on the counter.

Front

Literal meaning of the simile: "Carlos, like an ox, pulled the weights an incredible distance."

Back

Carlos was strong.

Front

Literal meaning of the simile: "We moved along the lake in the canoe like a sloth, but we were happy to be together."

Back

The canoe moved slowly on the water.

Front

Literal meaning of: "Time crawled as Tim sat in detention watching the clock tic."

Back

Time seemed to pass slowly.