25 Types of Figurative Language to Know in High School

Implicit, implied, indirect, or hidden comparison of two unrelated objects that share some common characteristics (My brother was boiling mad; It's going to be clear skies from here on.)

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allegory

• Synecdoche

• Metonymy

Extended metaphor in which abstract ideas & principles are described in terms of characters, figures, & events (In George Orwell's Animal Farm, characters and events represent different people and events that took place after the Russian Revolution.)

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allegory

• Synecdoche

• Metonymy

A part is used to represent a whole, or a whole is used to represent a part ("Gray beard" to refer to an old man)

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allegory

• Synecdoche

• Metonymy

Replacing the name of something with something closely associated with it but not an actual part (Lend me your ears. (Ears meaning to listen))

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allegory

• Synecdoche

• Metonymy

A comparison of two unlike things using like or as, the commonality between the two objects is usually directly stated (He's as angry as a hornet.)

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Allegory

• Synecdoche

• Metonymy

Also known as overstatement, an exaggeration used for emphasis (This suitcase weighs a ton.)

• Hyperbole

• Cliche

• Understatement

• Euphemism

• Idiom

Opposite of hyperbole, says less than intended (Stalin was a pretty bad dude.)

• Hyperbole

• Cliche

• Understatement

• Euphemism

• Idiom

An expression that has been overused to the point that it's lost its original meaning or effectiveness (only time will tell; all is fair in love and war

• Hyperbole

• Cliche

• Understatement

• Euphemism

• Idiom

Substituting an inoffensive term for something considered offensive, graphic, or harsh [a little thin on top (for bald)]

• Hyperbole

• Cliche

• Understatement

• Euphemism

• Idiom

A set expression that has an understood meaning in a culture [Playing your cards right (taking advantage of an good opportunity)]

• Hyperbole

• Cliche

• Understatement

• Euphemism

• Idiom