Figurative Language

Similes & metaphors

Two ways to compare things so a picture forms in the reader's mind.

1 Observe

Look at each pair. One uses 'like' or 'as'. One does not. What is the difference?

As busy as a bee Working hard and moving all the time.
The classroom was a beehive The classroom was full of busy, buzzing activity.
Her words were like monsoon rain Her words were welcome and refreshing.
Her words were monsoon rain The same picture, said directly without 'like'.

2 Discover

A simile compares two things using like or as: 'Priya runs like the wind.' A metaphor says one thing is another: 'Priya is a rocket on the track.' Both help the reader see a picture.

CBSE and ICSE papers call similes, metaphors and the devices in FL3–FL4 'figures of speech'.

In the Gerund course: Unit 44 Figurative Language & Literary Devices

3 Apply

Which sentence uses a simile?

Which sentence uses a metaphor?

In 'Time is money', what is being compared?

4 Create

Finish this simile in your own way: 'The monsoon rain was as loud as ____.'

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Example: The Pune station at rush hour was a river of people, moving like water around the pillars.

5 Explore

Open the simile and metaphor cards. Which comparison paints the clearest picture for you?

A bright studentA clever, quick-thinking student.Metaphor A flood of messagesA very large number of messages arriving at once.Metaphor A sea of facesA very large crowd of people.Metaphor As busy as a beeVery busy, working hard without stopping.Simile As calm as a lotus pond at dawnVery still and peaceful.SimileAges 15–20 As cool as a cucumberCalm and relaxed, even under pressure.Simile As fresh as a daisyLively and well rested, full of energy.Simile As light as a featherVery light; weighing almost nothing.Simile BottleneckA narrow point that slows everything down.Metaphor Food for thoughtAn idea worth thinking about carefully.Metaphor Like a fish out of waterUncomfortable because a place or situation is unfamiliar.Simile Like monsoon rain on dry fieldsVery welcome and refreshing after a long, hard wait.SimileAges 15–20 Sleep like a logSleep very deeply, without moving or waking.Simile The classroom was a zooThe room was noisy, wild and out of control.Metaphor The heart of the cityThe busy central part of a city.Metaphor Time is moneyTime is valuable, so don't waste it.Metaphor