Metaphors and Similes

Metaphor Examples

A metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to make a comparison between two things that aren't alike but do have something in common. Unlike a simile, where two things are compared directly using like or as, a metaphor's comparison is more indirect, usually made by stating something is something else. A metaphor is very expressive; it is not meant to be taken literally. You may have to work a little to find the meaning in a metaphor.

For example, a river and tears aren't very alike. One is a body of water in nature, while the other can be produced by our eyes. They do have one thing in common, though: both are a type of water that flows. A metaphor uses this similarity to help the writer make a point:

• Her tears were a river flowing down her cheeks.

As a river is so much larger than a few tears, the metaphor is a creative way of saying that the person is crying a lot. There are so many tears that they remind the writer of a river.

Metaphors help writers and poets make a point in a more interesting way. They also help the reader see something from a new perspective. By describing tears as a river, for example, the writer found a creative way to describe how great the girl's sadness was and helped the reader see a similarity between tears and a river that they might not have noticed before. This makes reading more fun and interesting.

The Difference Between Similes and Metaphors

Similes are another way to compare two different things, but a simile does so more directly, using the words like or as. For example:

• Her tears flowed like a river down her cheeks.

In this case, the simile tells the reader that the tears are similar to a river, but not the same. A metaphor, on the other hand, says that something is something else; that is, the girl's tears are equal to a river. A metaphor is not exactly true. It's meant to be understood as a figure of speech, not a factual statement.

Kid-Friendly Metaphors

Now that you understand how metaphors work, take a look at this list of simple metaphor examples for kids, that are perfect for showing this type of figure of speech. Look for the comparison being made. And watch the video below the list to learn more about metaphors.
 

Animal Metaphors

• The classroom was a zoo.
• The alligator's teeth are white daggers.
• She is a peacock.
• My teacher is a dragon.
• Mary's eyes were fireflies.
• The computers at school are old dinosaurs.
• He is a night owl.
• Maria is a chicken.
• The wind was a howling wolf.
• The ballerina was a swan, gliding across the stage.
• Jamal was a pig at dinner.
• The kids were monkeys on the jungle gym.
• My dad is a road hog.
• The stormy ocean was a raging bull.
• The thunder was a mighty lion. 

Nature Metaphors

• 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.

Everyday Metaphors

• John's suggestion was just a Band-Aid for the problem.
• The cast on his broken leg was a plaster shackle.
• Laughter is the music of the soul.
• America is a melting pot.
• Her lovely voice was music to his ears.
• The world is a stage.
• My kid's room is a disaster area.
• Life is a rollercoaster.
• Their home was a prison.
• His heart is a cold iron.
• At five o'clock, the interstate is always a parking lot.
• Books are the keys to your imagination.
• Her angry words were bullets to him.
• Your brain is a computer.
• The car was a furnace in the sun.
• Thank you so much, you are an angel.
• My baseball coach is an ogre.
• He is a walking dictionary.
• My big brother is a couch potato.
• The teenager's stomach was a bottomless pit.
• I am so excited. My pulse is a race car.
• Toddlers are rug rats.

Practise giving directions here

Giving directions, 
an interactive worksheet by 
gabitza
liveworksheets.com

Giving and asking directions English lesson

Giving and asking directions English lesson

This lesson you will be learning how to give directions to another person when they ask you for directions on how to go somewhere.  and also give examples of how to ask for directions as well. 

Click here to learn more.

Important verbs and prepositions when giving directions

Asking somebody for directions

** Hint The key words are highlighted ** 

Questions you can ask about directions

Can you please tell me how I can get to Oxford Street?

Where is the nearest supermarket?

How can I get to the  local market?

I'm trying to get to Downing Street.

How do I get to the office?

What's the best way to get to your house next ?

Where is Mc Donalds can you tell me please?

How to give directions to somebody else 

Go straight on till you see the hospital then turn left.

Turn back, you have gone past the turning.

Turn left when you see a roundabout.

Turn right at the end of the road and my house is number 67.

Cross the junction and keep going for about 1 mile.

Take the third road on the right and you will see the office on the right

Take the third road on the right and you will see the shop on the left

Take the second road on the left and you will see the house on the left

Take the second road on the left and you will see the hospital straight ahead

The hospital is opposite the railway station.

The shop is near the hospital.

The house is next to the local cricket ground.

The shop is in between the chemist and KFC.

At the end of the road you will see a roundabout.

At the corner of the road you will see red building.

Just around the corner is my house you will need to stop quickly or you will miss it.
Go straight on at the traffic lights.
turn right at the crossroads.
Follow the signposts for Manchester.

Giving directions conversation

When giving directions to someone it is best to use short basic English sentences. Speak slowly when talking to the other person and spell out words if they don't understand and if possible draw a map.
Mr Bean : - Please tell me how I get to your apartment?
Mrs Smith: - Are you coming by car or by bus?
Mr Bean : - I am coming by car.
Mr Bean : - Please could you tell me the easiest way of getting to your apartment?
Mrs Smith: - Take the M6 to Manchester and come of at junction 6
Mr Bean : - Manchester can you spell that for me
Mrs Smith: - M a n c h e s t e r
Mr Bean : - Thanks
Mrs Smith: -  OK, then turn right at the roundabout and take the first left my house is on the left next to the local food store.
Mr Bean : - Is that the quickest way of getting to your apartment?
Mrs Smith: - Yes, it is the quickest way by car.
Mr Bean : - Would you draw me a map please I don't know the area.
Mrs Smith: - Yes.
Mr Bean : - Thanks.

And finally some tips

Speak slowly so the other person can understand.
Speak slowly so the other person can write down the instructions if talking on the phone.
When speaking with someone, use your hands to demonstrate what you mean,  left, right, or straight on.
Always try and use the word "please" when you are asking someone for directions. It's polite, and people are more likely to help you!