Figures of Speech

Metaphor

Explain one thing in terms of another to make it vivid.

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What & why

What it is
A metaphor describes one thing in terms of another, so a quality of a familiar image carries over to the idea. It can say one thing is another (‘the kitchen table is mission control’), tuck the image into a verb (‘the paperwork swallowed the afternoon’) or a describing word (‘a frosty welcome’), or develop one image over several lines. That can make an abstract idea more concrete and easier to picture. Unlike a simile, it does not signal the comparison with ‘like’, ‘as’ or ‘as if’.
Why it works

Metaphors link abstract concepts to concrete, sensory experiences that listeners already understand, and the image you choose can frame what kind of problem listeners think they face. The effects are small: across many studies, a metaphor made a message only slightly more persuasive, most of all one fresh image used early, and a metaphor is not automatically easier to understand than a clear literal explanation. Familiar metaphors are understood about as fast as plain wording, while new ones can take longer, so keep to one image per point and say it literally when precision matters.

Before & after

These are fictional teaching examples, not accounts of real events.

Before

“The process is complicated.”

After

“The process is a maze, and our users keep hitting dead ends.”

See it in action

An original teaching example. The situations and results are fictional.

Featured example

One awkward joke punctured the excitement in the room.

  • Borrowed image: a puncture

A narrator describing a celebration that became less lively after a poorly judged joke.

Look inside the comparison

What we are talking about
the excitement in the room
The image
a balloon being punctured
The connection
a sudden loss of air and energy

In plain words: The joke suddenly made everyone less excited.

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When you’ll use it

Explaining technical architecture to non-technical stakeholders

Making abstract business strategies tangible and actionable

Creating vivid brand messaging and value propositions

Simplifying complex data stories for executive audiences

Building shared mental models in team discussions

Framing organizational change initiatives

Pro tip

Pick one familiar image that fits your point, and stay with it.

Questions & answers

How do I choose appropriate metaphors for professional settings?

Select metaphors from domains your audience knows well. Sports metaphors work in some cultures but not others. Universal metaphors (journeys, building, growing) are safer. If you can, try it on someone outside your field first.

When should I use metaphor versus literal description?

Use metaphors to explain abstract concepts, create emotional connection, or simplify complexity. Use literal description for precise instructions, legal matters, or when accuracy is paramount. When in doubt, provide both.

Can metaphors backfire?

Yes. Mixed metaphors confuse (‘We need to pivot our North Star’), culturally specific metaphors exclude, and violent metaphors (‘killing it’, ‘crushing the competition’) can alienate. Choose inclusive, consistent metaphors.

Learn more

Silva Rhetoricae (BYU)
Academy of American Poets - Metaphor
Wikipedia - Metaphor

Put it into practice

Practice Metaphor

Work through examples, then test your understanding in a short quiz. Your progress is saved as you practice.

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