Figurative Language

Onomatopoeia

● The rocks kerplunk as they fall into the lake.

● Listen to the pitter-patter of raindrops on the leaves.
● Lighting crackles and thunder rumbles through the night.
● The boulder hit the ground with a flump.
● Leaves rustle in the wind and are whipped into the air.
● The waves crashed against the rocks.
● The hail snapped small branches off the trees.
● The wind whooshed through the trees.
● The dead leaves crackled on the ground.
● The wind howled in the storm.
● The river gurgles as it passes over the rocks.
● The water in the brook gurgles and rushes.
● Tree branches howl in the wind.
● The thunder crashes around us.
● Wind whistles through the branches of the tree.
● The waves lap against the shore.
● The needles chatter against the ice on the pine trees.
● The snow crunches under your feet.

Idioms

In for a penny, in for a pound

Meaning: That someone is intentionally investing his time or money for a particular project or
task.

Example: When Athlead was booming, Jim was in for a penny and in for a pound, that’s how
much dedicated he was.

A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush

Meaning: An opportunity in hand, currently, is better than a prospect in the future, because time
never repeats itself.

Example: The detective apprehended 3 criminals and saw other one running but didn’t chase
him, because she knew a bird in one hand is better than two in the bush.

Chip off the old block

Meaning: That a person is similar in behaviour or actions like his parents.

Example: When grandmother saw her grandson collecting coins like her son used to do, she
knew he was a Chip off the old block.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Meaning: Treat people the same way you want to be treated.
Example: I felt Peter was a little cold today towards that homeless man, he should do unto
others as he would have them do unto him, because who knows about time.

Don’t cry over spilt milk

Meaning: Don’t cry over what has happened as it can not be fixed.

Example: Walter failed his examination but his dad came and said just one thing, “Son, Don’t cry
over spilt milk.”

Every cloud has a silver lining

Meaning: Bad things one day eventually lead to good things.

Example: See, yesterday you were so morose as your phone was stolen but look at you today,
you got a promotion. Is it rightly said that every cloud has a silver lining.

Beside yourself with joy

Meaning: To be extremely happy.

Example: I can see that you are beside yourself with joy on being selected for the job,
congratulations.

Fair and square

Meaning: Being direct or fair.

Example: To tell you fair and square, I did everything that I was meant to do, but I still feel
unfulfilled.

Having an Ace up the sleeve

Meaning: Have an advantage that is currently being withheld for future purposes.

Example: Brian kept quiet at the board meeting, who knew he had an Ace hidden up his sleeve
the whole time.

30. A black sheep

Meaning: Being a disgrace for the family.

Example: They don’t talk about Olive anymore, turns out he was the Black sheep for the family,
he married someone else while he was still arranged to his fiancé.

Hook, line and sinker

Meaning: Doing something or trying to achieve something with thoroughness and passion.

Example: I have set my mind to go through the spreadsheets by Monday and I am working for it
Hook, line and sinker.

Looking to your laurels

Meaning: Not be lost in your achievements and losing the sight of what is supposed to happen.

Example: Look to your laurels but do not rest on it.

Bear a grudge
Meaning: To continue to feel angry or unfriendly for someone or something because of a
particular past incident.

Example: I Bear a grudge against him for not taking me into confidence.

By the skin of your teeth

Meaning: To just barely get by or make it.

Example: Lester made the dance team By the skin of his teeth, you see the audition gates were
about to get closed.

Snug as a bug in a rug

Meaning: Warm and cosy.

Meaning: The baby looks as snug as a bug in a rug next to her mother.

Step up your game

Meaning: To start performing better

Example: Jennifer better step up her game if she wants to make big in Basketball.

To not see the wood for the trees

Meaning: To be so involved in trivial matters that you don’t get the important facts.

Example: He always argues on the silliest topics, it’s like he can’t see wood for the trees.

Lose your marbles

Meaning: To go insane.

Example: Our mailman has lost his marbles, every day he drops Mr. Smith’s mail on our door.

Personification

● The run-down house appeared depressed.

● The first rays of morning tiptoed through the meadow.
● He did not realize that his last chance was walking out the door.
● The bees played hide and seek with the flowers as they buzzed from one to another.
● The snow swaddled the earth like a mother would her infant child.
● The river swallowed the earth as the water continued to rise higher and higher.
● The ocean waves lashed out at the boat, and the storm continued to brew.
● My computer throws a fit every time I try to use it.
● The thunder grumbled like an old man.
● The flowers waltzed in the gentle breeze.
● Her life wandered past.
● The sun glared down at me from the sky.
 ● The car was suffering and was in need of some TLC.
● At precisely 6:30 AM, my alarm clock sprang to life.
● The window panes were talking as the wind blew through them.
● The ocean danced in the moonlight.
● The words leapt off of the paper as she read the story.
● The phone awakened with a mighty ring.
● The funeral raced by me in a blur.

Metaphors

● His words cut deeper than a knife. Words don't materialize into sharp objects. In this
metaphor, someone has said something hurtful to another.
● I feel the stench of failure coming on. Failure isn't fun but it doesn't smell. So, when this
metaphor is used, it means one of life's disappointments is on the way.
● I'm drowning in a sea of grief. Here, grief is so overwhelming that the person feels
helpless, like they're being pulled underwater.
● I'm feeling blue. Until we become like the little girl in Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory,
none of us are likely to turn as blue as a blueberry. This metaphor means someone is
sad.
● She's going through a rollercoaster of emotions. Our emotions can't take a ride on a
rollercoaster. This metaphor simply means the person's going through a lot of different
moods.
● I think he's about to fade off to sleep. Fortunately, none of us fade into thin air when we
fall asleep. This expression simply means that someone has drifted into a state of
slumber.
● He really flared up my temper. When someone flares up your temper, flames don't spew
out of your body, you're just deeply angry.
● He reeks of infidelity. When this is said about a cheating partner, it doesn't mean there's
an actual odor. This metaphor is saying it's obvious the person is a liar and a cheat.
● She was fishing for compliments. The woman isn't literally casting a lure to hook
compliments out of the ocean. Rather, it's a dead metaphor used to signify a desire for
accolades.

Simile

● You were as brave as a lion.

● They fought like cats and dogs.
● He is as funny as a barrel of monkeys.
● This house is as clean as a whistle.
● He is as strong as an ox.
● Your explanation is as clear as mud.
● Watching the show was like watching grass grow.