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Metaphor Examples

What is a metaphor? A metaphor is a way to describe something by saying it is something else—even though it isn't, literally! Writers use metaphors to make their writing more colorful and interesting.

Metaphors help us picture things in new and creative ways.

Common Metaphor Examples

1.The classroom was a zoo.
Meaning: The classroom was very noisy and chaotic.
Example: When the teacher left, the classroom was a zoo!
2.Time is a thief.
Meaning: Time passes quickly and can take away moments.
Example: Time is a thief that steals our favorite days.
3.He has a heart of gold.
Meaning: He is very kind and generous.
Example: My grandpa has a heart of gold.
4.The world is a stage.
Meaning: Life is like a play and we are all actors.
Example: The world is a stage, and we all have our parts to play.
5.She was a shining star in the play.
Meaning: She performed very well and stood out.
Example: Emma was a shining star in the school play.
6.My brother is a night owl.
Meaning: He likes to stay up late at night.
Example: My brother is a night owl and reads books after bedtime.
7.The snow was a white blanket.
Meaning: The snow covered everything like a blanket.
Example: When we woke up, the snow was a white blanket over the yard.
8.Her voice is music to my ears.
Meaning: Her voice is very pleasant to hear.
Example: Mom's singing is music to my ears.
9.He is a walking dictionary.
Meaning: He knows a lot of words and facts.
Example: Ask Ben any word—he's a walking dictionary!
10.The clouds are cotton balls in the sky.
Meaning: The clouds look soft and fluffy like cotton balls.
Example: On sunny days, the clouds are cotton balls in the sky.
11.Her mind is a computer.
Meaning: She remembers and processes information very quickly.
Example: Sarah's mind is a computer when it comes to math.
12.The playground was a beehive of activity.
Meaning: The playground was very busy and full of energy.
Example: At recess, the playground was a beehive of activity.
13.His stomach is a bottomless pit.
Meaning: He can eat a lot and never seems full.
Example: After soccer, his stomach is a bottomless pit!
14.Books are keys to your imagination.
Meaning: Books help you explore new ideas and worlds.
Example: Books are keys to your imagination—open one and see!
15.The test was a breeze.
Meaning: The test was very easy.
Example: Don't worry, the test was a breeze.

Quiz: What Does the Metaphor Mean?

Can you figure out what these metaphors mean?

  1. My backpack is a ton of bricks.
  2. Her eyes were shining stars.
  3. The playground was a jungle.
  4. He is a couch potato.
Show Answers
  • Q1: My backpack is very heavy.
  • Q2: Her eyes were bright and full of excitement.
  • Q3: The playground was wild and full of activity.
  • Q4: He sits around and doesn't do much activity.

How to Spot a Metaphor

  • Look for sentences that say something is something else (not just like or as—those are similes!).
  • Ask yourself: Is this sentence comparing two things in a creative way?
  • Does it make sense literally? If not, it might be a metaphor!
  • Metaphors often make writing more fun and help you imagine things better.

Conclusion

Try making your own metaphors! Think of something you want to describe, and imagine what else it could be. For example, "My room is a treasure chest" or "My dog is a rocket."

More Resources

  • Learn about similes, idioms, figurative language, and personification for more creative writing ideas.
  • Practice spotting metaphors in stories and poems.
  • Try writing a story using at least three metaphors!