Understanding Figurative Language

Front

What does it mean when someone says, "Go break a leg!"?

Back

It means to do well.

Front

If I say, "My friend is a pain in the neck," what do I mean?

Back

It means my friend can be hard to get along with sometimes.

Front

What does it mean if someone says, "You are the cat's meow"?

Back

It means you are something special.

Front

Why do authors use figurative language?

Back

To create a vivid description in the reader's mind.

Front

What is the term for giving human qualities to non-human things?

Back

Personification.

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Front

What is an example of onomatopoeia?

Back

Words that imitate sounds, like 'buzz' or 'bang'.

Front

What does alliteration mean?

Back

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words.

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

Front

What does simile mean?

Back

A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'.