Literal and Nonliteral Language

Front

What is literal language?

Back

Literal language means using words in their most basic sense, without any exaggeration or metaphor. For example, 'The cat is on the mat' is literal.

Front

What is nonliteral language?

Back

Nonliteral language uses words in a way that is different from their usual meaning, often involving figures of speech like idioms or metaphors. For example, 'It's raining cats and dogs' is nonliteral.

Front

What does the idiom 'piece of cake' mean?

Back

The idiom 'piece of cake' means something is very easy to do.

Front

What does the phrase 'hands down' mean?

Back

The phrase 'hands down' means without a doubt or unquestionably.

Front

Give an example of a sentence using literal language.

Back

The dog is barking loudly.

Front

Give an example of a sentence using nonliteral language.

Back

He has a heart of stone.

Front

What does it mean to 'climb on the fence'?

Back

In a literal sense, it means to physically get on top of a fence. In a nonliteral sense, it can mean to be undecided about something.

Front

Why is 'the last piece of cake' considered literal?

Back

Because it refers to an actual piece of cake that can be seen and touched.

Front

What is an idiom?

Back

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

Front

What does 'in hot water' mean?

Back

The phrase 'in hot water' means to be in trouble.