Figurative Language - Boy Overboard

Figurative language is used to create mental images by comparing ideas to help the reader more clearly imagine
the person, place or thing being described. Figurative language makes writing more interesting, entertaining and
colourful, as there is often a link between two unlike subjects.
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Activity One: Read the passage, then with your partner, discuss and circle the figurative language. Secondly,
match the expressions with their meanings below.

“Why are you not wearing your burka? If Mr. Nasser sees you, he’ll come down on
you like a ton of bricks,” asked Mum. “I just don’t feel like it today. No one will
notice and I’m not worried about him,” replied Bibi boldly. Sure enough, before
the morning was through, Bibi and her mother were summoned to Mr. Nasser’s
office. “She’s as tough as old boots,” thought Mum. “Nothing bothers her. Mr.
Nasser’s reprimand will be like water off a duck’s back to her.” Bibi however,
months later, still cringed when she recalled how she felt being caned for not
wearing her burka in public; all part of some foolish dare. She was as sick as a
parrot as she waited for her father to arrive home that evening. And as sure as eggs are
eggs, he was disappointed in her for upsetting the applecart.

come down on you like a ton of ➔ something that has

bricks - absolutely no effect on
someone

as tough as old boots - ➔ how worried or uneasy

someone is

like water off a duck’s back - ➔ something will definitely

happen

as sick as a parrot - ➔ causing trouble or

difficulty
as sure as eggs are eggs -
➔ punish or reprimand very
severely
upsetting the applecart -
➔ strong or able to deal with
a difficult situation

Activity Two: Use at least four of the above expressions in your own sentences. The context of the sentence
should paint a clear image.
For example; ‘Max was boiling mad as Danny was late again and they would miss the beginning of the movie.’

As sure as eggs are eggs. John was as tough as old boots, But he was as sick as a parrot because his parents
were in a different country. If he messes up at school Mr Byrne will come down on him like a ton of of bricks.