Metaphors and Similes

Similes, Metaphors and Idioms- Figurative Language

Figurative Language

Figurative language uses figures of speech (such as similes, metaphors and idioms) to suggest new pictures or images, or to create stronger effects.

Simile

Simile is a form of figurative language that compares two things using the word "like" or "as"

Example: "The crystal ball shined bring like a diamond."

Comparison: The crystal ball is being compared to a diamond/

Metaphors

Metaphors are also a form of figurative language that compares one thing to another and does not use the word "like" or "as."

Example: Her eyes were diamonds.

Comparison: Her eyes are being compared to diamonds.

Idioms

Idioms are another form of figurative language, that do not have a literal meaning, these phrases do not mean what they say.

Example: "It's raining cats and dogs!"

(Are cats and dogs really falling from the sky?)

Let's practice

We are going to look at different examples of similes, metaphors and idioms.

Multiple Choice

Think outside the box means...

• to think like your friend.

• To think correctly.

• To think differently

• To think like your teacher

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences contains a metaphor?

• The boy was upset at himself.

• The boy was a tornado of emotion.

• The boy said he’d die of shame.

• The boy did not like what he’d done.

Multiple Choice

Keep an eye open means...

• To open your eyes

• To close your eyes

• To look out for something with all of your attention

Multiple Choice

Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence.

The hug was like a soft blanket, wrapping Simone in warmth.

• simile

• metaphor

• both a simile and a metaphor

• There is no figure of speech in that sentence.

Multiple Choice

Explain the meaning of the following sentence.

The hug was like a soft blanket, wrapping Simone in warmth.

• This means that Simone was actually wrapped in a blanket.

• This means that Simone had a fever.

• This means that the hug made Simone feel warm and cared for.

• This means that Simone doesn’t like to be hugged.

Multiple Choice

Zip your lips means...

• To go to sleep

• To be quiet

• Zip your lips shut

Multiple Choice

Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence.

Mikey waited in the cold until his fingers were icicles.

• simile

• metaphor

• both a simile and a metaphor

• There is no figure of speech in that sentence.

Multiple Choice

Explain the meaning of the following sentence.

Mikey waited in the cold until his fingers were icicles.

• This means that Mikey’s fingers became actual icicles.

• This means that Mikey waited for a very long time and got very cold.

• This means that Mikey is probably a snowman.

• This means that Mikey only waited for a minute or two.

Multiple Choice

Eyes bigger than stomach means...

• To be greedy

• To have big eyes

• To have big stomach

Multiple Choice

butterflies in my stomach means...

• I'm Happy

• I’m nervous

• I’m angry

• I’m sad

Multiple Choice

All of the following are metaphors except for

• The thunder was a mighty lion.

• The storm was a raging bull.

• His eyes were ice as he stared at his sister.

• I am nine years old in the fourth grade.

Multiple Choice

cry your eyes out means...

• to Cough

• You make me sad

• to cry a lot

• To cry about your toy

Multiple Choice

Both similes and metaphors ________.

• compare things

• use the words “like” and “as”

• are ways words can rhyme in a poem

• make a story less vivid

Multiple Choice

Which of the following sentences contains a simile?

• The thunder was loud.

• The thunder boomed and rumbled.

• The thunder growled, and the windows shook.

• The thunder growled like a group of grizzly bears.

Multiple Choice

Tracy felt as sick as a parrot.

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

Simile or Metaphor?
Tonya is as sweet as sugar.

• simile

• metaphor

Multiple Choice

After the walk through the desert, Kim’s tongue felt dry as a bone.  What are the words in blue an example of?

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

Let the cat out of the bag

• good luck

• to accidentally tell a secret

• a lazy person

Multiple Choice

The best friends had so much in common they were like two peas in a pod.

Does the sentence use a simile or a metaphor?

• Simile

• Metaphor

Multiple Choice

What is an Idiom?

• A funny word with three lines.

• A phrase that is not meant to be taken literally.

• A phrase that always rhymes.

Multiple Choice

Which figurative language is this an example of: When Sally looked outside she saw a blanket of snow.

• Idiom

• Simile

• Metaphor 

Multiple Choice

He likes to toot his own horn really means...

• He talks loudly.

• He plays in a band.

• He brags all the time.

Multiple Choice

Not being able to take it any more

• To give a false alarm.

• Drop me a line

• I'm at the end of my rope.

• To tell someone to go away and stop bothering you.

Multiple Choice

Danny put his foot in his mouth

really means...

• His foot is small enough to fit in his mouth.

• He said something embarrassing.

• Danny is very flexible and stretchy.