Similes, Metaphors and Idioms

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'as brave as a lion'.

Front

Give an example of a simile.

Back

'Kim is never nervous. She is always as cool as a cucumber.'

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things without using 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'Time is a thief'.

Front

Give an example of a metaphor.

Back

'Mom is a real bear when she’s mad.'

Front

What is an idiom?

Back

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning. For example, 'spilled the beans' means to reveal a secret.

Front

Give an example of an idiom.

Back

'Don’t just sit there like a bump on a log!' means to not be inactive.

Front

How do you identify a simile in a sentence?

Back

Look for comparisons using 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'He runs like the wind'.

Front

How do you identify a metaphor in a sentence?

Back

Look for direct comparisons without 'like' or 'as'. For example, 'This computer is a dinosaur'.

Front

What does the idiom 'spill the beans' mean?

Back

To reveal a secret.

Front

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

Back

A simile uses 'like' or 'as' to compare, while a metaphor does not.