an expression that doesn’t exactly mean what the words say

when two things are compared using like or as

an old familiar saying that expresses wisdom

a comparison in which one thing is said to be another

“Food?” Chris inquired, popping out of his seat like a toaster strudel.

The typical teenage boy’s room is a disaster area.

Don’t get so worked up, buddy. She’s only pulling your leg.

Slow and steady wins the race.

He's as skinny as a toothpick!

I was home in a split second.

It's as hot as the Bahamas in my bedroom.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

The smoke was cotton balls billowing from the chimney.

If Kim thinks that I’m going to let her copy my math homework, she’s barking up the wrong tree.