Figurative Language and Idioms
What is Figurative Language?
Figurative Language – language that goes beyond the literal
(actual) meaning of the words.
Types of Figurative Language Imagery – helps paint a picture in your
mind We sat on a cool, green carpet of grass. The moist and chocolaty scent floated to me.
Simile – comparison using like or as She is as strong as a horse.
Metaphor – comparison between two unlikely things Sara is a nightingale in the school choir.
Types of Figurative Language
Alliteration – repeated consonant sounds Creamy and crunchy
Personification – gives human qualities to animals or objects The low clouds bumped into the mountians
Onomatopoeia – use of words that mimic sounds Buzz, swish, zigzag, zip
Types of Figurative Language
Hyperbole – exaggerated statement My brother exploded when he saw the
damage to his car. Idiom – word combos that have a
meaning different than the literal meaning Rush hour traffic moves at a snail’s
pace. Sally was tongue tied when she said
the poem.
What is an idiom?
Idiom – a combination of words that have a meaning different than the literal meaning of the words individually
Examples of Idioms
1) To sit on the fence Literal Meaning – one who is sitting
on a fence Idiomatic Meaning – one who is
not making a clear choice regarding a situation
The politician sat on the fence and would not give his opinion about the tax issue.
Examples of Idioms
2) To hold one’s horsesLiteral Meaning – to hold another person’s horses
Idiomatic Meaning – to stop and wait patiently for someone or something
“Hold your horses,” I said when my friend started to leave the store without me.
Examples of Idioms
3) To put your foot in your mouthLiteral Meaning – to put your foot into your mouth
Idiomatic Meaning – to say something embarrassing incorrect
I put my foot in my mouth when I yelled “stranger danger” as my mom grabbed my arm.