Literal vs Nonliteral Language

Front

What is literal language?

Back

Literal language means exactly what it says. For example, 'The cat is on the mat' means the cat is really on the mat.

Front

What is nonliteral language?

Back

Nonliteral language means it does not mean exactly what it says. It often uses figures of speech like idioms or metaphors.

Front

What does the phrase 'cost an arm and a leg' mean?

Back

It means something is very expensive.

Front

What does 'pigs fly' mean in the expression 'when pigs fly'?

Back

It means something is impossible or will never happen.

Front

What does it mean if someone is 'tickled pink'?

Back

It means they are very happy.

Front

What does the expression 'frog in my throat' mean?

Back

It means someone has difficulty speaking, often due to a sore throat.

Front

What is an idiom?

Back

An idiom is a phrase that has a meaning different from the literal meaning of its words.

Front

Give an example of a figurative expression.

Back

'It's raining cats and dogs' means it's raining heavily.

Front

What does 'as fiery as a volcano' mean?

Back

It means someone is very angry.

Front

How can you tell if language is figurative?

Back

If the words do not make sense literally or if they describe something in a creative way, it is likely figurative.