Simile vs Metaphor

While both similes and metaphors are used to make comparisons, the difference between similes and metaphors comes down to a word.

No form of poetry is complete without the use of figures of speech. In English, there are many figures of speech, but the two most commonly used for making the comparison are simile and metaphor.

What is a Simile?

  • A simile is a figurative statement that uses connecting words.
  • Similes use the words like or as to compare things

Some well-known similes you will often hear are:

    As cute as a kitten

    As happy as a clam

    As light as a feather

    As blind as a bat

    As bold as brass

    As bright as a button

    As shiny as a new pin

    As cold as ice

    As common as dirt

    As cool as a cucumber

    As hard as nails

    As hot as hell

    As innocent as a lamb

    As tall as a giraffe

    As tough as nails

    As white as a ghost

    As sweet as sugar

    As black as coal

What is a Metaphor ?

  • A metaphor is a figure of speech where in a word or phrase represents an object or idea that is used instead to show the likeness between the two. 

Some well-known metaphors you will often hear are:

    My life is an open book.

    The snow is a white blanket.

    He is a shining star.

    Her long hair was a flowing golden river.

    Tom's eyes were ice as he stared at her.

    The children were flowers grown in concrete gardens.

    Kisses are the flowers of affection.

    The falling snowflakes are dancers.

    The calm lake was a mirror.

    You are my sunshine.

    The moon is a white balloon.

    Her tears were a river flowing down her cheeks.

    The road ahead was a ribbon stretching across the desert.

    Donations to the charity were a tsunami.

    The park was a lake after the rain.

    The sun is a golden ball.

    The clouds are balls of cotton.

    The lightning was fireworks in the sky.

    That lawn is a green carpet.

    The stars are sparkling diamonds.

    Ben's temper was a volcano, ready to explode.

    Those best friends are two peas in a pod.

    Baby, you’re a firework.


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