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.)

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)

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

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.)

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

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

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

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

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

Usually, a concrete object used to represent an abstract concept

Play on multiple meanings of words or phrases (I wasn't originally going to get a brain transplant, but then I changed my mind.)

The difference between what is said and what is actually meant ["Well, that was graceful." (in response to someone tripping)]

A situation that ends up being very different from the expected outcome (an anti-technology website)

An audience is aware of a situation, truth, or reality that characters are not aware of (In horror movies, if we see the killer walk into a room just before another characters goes in the same room to hide from the killer.)

Two or more opposite ideas, places, characters, or actions are placed next to each other in order to highlight comparisons or contrasts (light/dark, good/evil, fire/ice)

Condensed form of a paradox in which two contradictory words are used together (sweet sorrow, open secret, original copies)

Brief, indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea from history, literature, culture, or politics (Thanks for opening Pandora's box.)

A statement that initially appears to be contradictory, but on closer inspection, actually makes sense (I can resist anything but temptation.)

Using sensory details to create a vivid image in the reader's mind (The girl ran her hands on a soft satin fabric)

Verbal pattern in which the second half of an expression is balanced with the first by reversing the parts. (I don't live to work, I work to live.)

Attributing human characteristics to nonhuman things (Trees scream in the raging wind.)

An address either to someone who is absent and cannot hear the speaker or to something nonhuman that cannot comprehend (Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are)

Comparison in which an idea or thing is compared to another that is quite different. More extensive and elaborate than a metaphor or simile (Life is like a race. The one who keeps running wins the race and the one who stops to catch a breath loses.)

Words that imitate the sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to (The bag fell in the river with a splash.)