English Metaphors Collection

Metaphors create vivid comparisons by saying one thing is another. They reveal hidden meanings and add depth to language without using “like” or “as.” Learn metaphors to make your English more powerful and interesting.

What You’ll Learn from Each Metaphor

This page brings together list-style metaphor collections, each focused on a specific idea, emotion, or context. Whether it's love, time, anger, or nature, every list helps you understand how metaphors are used to express complex ideas with clarity and creativity.

These collections are not general glossaries — each post targets a single concept and presents metaphors, meanings, examples, and interpretation notes. This makes it easy for learners and writers to find metaphors relevant to a specific topic.

Simple Meanings & Examples

Each metaphor includes a clear meaning and practical example sentences so you can understand how it adds color to everyday language.

Creative Alternatives

Discover similar metaphors and expressions to boost your ability to express abstract ideas in engaging and imaginative ways.

Usage & Cultural Notes

Learn when and why metaphors are used — including tone, cultural relevance, and common mistakes to avoid.

Read All Metaphors Articles

metaphors about thanksgiving

45 Metaphors About Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a big holiday in the USA. Families and friends come together to share food, tell stories, and enjoy time with each other. It’s a day full of warm

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metaphors for bad

45 Metaphors for Bad

Sometimes things just don’t go right. Whether it’s a tough day, a mean person, or a life that feels off track, we all face hard times. In the United States,

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metaphors for technology

55 Metaphors for Technology

Technology is part of our daily lives in the USA. From using smartphones to learning with tablets in school, it is everywhere. To help people talk about technology, many use

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Metaphors for Strength

45 Metaphors for Strength

Strength is something we all need, especially when life gets tough. Whether it’s standing up for what’s right, helping others, or not giving up when things get hard, showing strength

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metaphors for abuse

28 Metaphors for Abuse

In America, many people use expressions to describe how they feel. When someone faces abuse, it can be hard to find the right words. That’s where metaphors help. They take

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metaphors for arguments

25 Metaphors for Arguments

Arguments are part of life. Everyone, from kids to adults in the USA, has disagreements. These can happen at home, in school, or even with friends. While no one really

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metaphors for attraction

30 Metaphors for Attraction

People in the USA often use special phrases to describe their feelings. One of the most common feelings is attraction. Whether it’s a school crush or liking someone you just

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metaphors for autism

28 Metaphors for Autism

Autism is something many kids and adults in the USA live with every day. It affects how people think, talk, learn, and feel. Everyone with autism is different. Some may

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metaphors about animals

45 Metaphors About Animals

Animals are part of everyday life in the USA, and people often use them in fun and smart ways to describe how someone acts or feels. These sayings are called

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metaphors about ai

33 Metaphors About Ai

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is a big part of life in the USA today. From voice assistants in our homes to smart robots in factories, AI helps people do things

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metaphors about spring

55 Metaphors About Spring

Spring is a season full of changes. The weather gets warmer, flowers bloom, and animals come out after winter. In the USA, many people look forward to spring because it

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metaphors about jellyfish

35 Metaphors About Jellyfish

Jellyfish might look soft and quiet, but they’re full of surprises. These sea creatures float gently in the water, but their sting can be strong. That mix of calm and

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metaphors for overthinking

45 Metaphors for Overthinking

Have you ever had so many thoughts in your head that you couldn’t focus? That’s called overthinking. It’s when your brain keeps going and going, like a car with no

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metaphors about innocence

25 Metaphors About Innocence

In American stories, shows, and everyday conversations, people often use metaphors to explain deep ideas in simple ways. One idea that’s talked about a lot is innocence. Innocence means being

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metaphors about painting

40 Metaphors About Painting

Painting isn’t just about colors on a canvas. In the USA, people often use painting as a way to talk about emotions, people, or ideas. Sometimes, they compare painting to

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metaphors about music

45 Metaphors About Music

Music is a big part of life in the USA. People listen to it when they’re happy, sad, working, or relaxing. Music can help us feel better and even bring

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metaphors about personality

45 Metaphors About Personality

Have you ever heard someone say, “She’s a firecracker” or “He’s a rock”? These are not just fun phrases. They are metaphors, and they help us understand what people are

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metaphors for tired

38 Metaphors for Tired

Feeling tired is something everyone in the USA deals with. Whether it’s after a long day at school, a busy weekend, or just waking up too early, we all know

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metaphors about evil

28 Metaphors About Evil

In the United States, stories often show good versus evil. But evil isn’t just in scary movies or superhero books. People use strong words to describe it, even when talking

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metaphors for identity

35 Metaphors for Identity

In the United States, people often try to understand who they are and what makes them special. The way we talk about identity can be deep and sometimes hard to

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metaphors for school

50 Metaphors for School

School is a big part of life for kids in the USA. It’s where we learn, make friends, and grow. But talking about school doesn’t always mean using plain words.

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metaphors for fireworks

35 Metaphors for Fireworks

Fireworks are bright, loud, and exciting. They light up the sky in many colors and shapes. In the United States, people often watch fireworks on the Fourth of July or

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metaphors for guilt

48 Metaphors for Guilt

Guilt is a feeling we all experience at some point. It happens when we think we’ve done something wrong or hurt someone, even by mistake. People in the USA and

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metaphors for darkness

40 Metaphors for Darkness

Darkness often means more than just the night sky. In the USA and other places, people use the idea of darkness to describe feelings, moods, and even situations. For example,

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metaphors about power

38 Metaphors About Power

Power is something we see every day in the United States. It can mean being a leader, having control, or even just being really good at something. People use metaphors

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metaphors about freedom

45 Metaphors About Freedom

Freedom is a big idea that many people care about, especially in the United States. It means you can make your own choices, go where you want, and speak your

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metaphors for falling in love

40 Metaphors for Falling in Love

Falling in love is a special feeling that many people in the USA talk about in fun and interesting ways. Instead of just saying “I like someone,” people often use

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metaphors for cold

43 Metaphors for Cold

In the USA, people often use metaphors to describe feelings, weather, or situations. A metaphor helps compare one thing to another, even if they seem different. When we talk about

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metaphors about fathers

33 Metaphors About Fathers

Fathers play a big part in many kids’ lives in the United States. They can be strong, funny, caring, or quiet. To describe what a father is like, people often

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metaphors for blood

38 Metaphors for Blood

Blood is an important part of our body. It keeps us alive by carrying oxygen and nutrients to every part. In stories, books, and everyday talk, people use metaphors to

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metaphors for blue eyes

45 Metaphors for Blue Eyes

Blue eyes have always caught people’s attention. In the USA, many songs, stories, and poems use blue eyes to describe emotions or beauty. When someone talks about “sky-blue eyes” or

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metaphors about running

45 Metaphors About Running

Running is a big part of life in the USA. People run for health, fun, or even competition. But sometimes, we use the word “running” to describe more than just

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metaphors about anger

50 Metaphors About Anger

Anger is a strong feeling that everyone has from time to time. It can happen when things don’t go the way we want or when someone hurts our feelings. In

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metaphors about judging others

35 Metaphors About Judging Others

Sometimes, people decide things about others too quickly. In the United States, we often say someone is “judging a book by its cover.” This means they make a choice without

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metaphors for ugly

38 Metaphors for Ugly

Sometimes, we use special phrases to describe how something looks or feels. In the United States, people often use comparisons to talk about someone or something that doesn’t look nice.

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metaphors for leadership

45 Metaphors for Leadership

In America, being a leader is about more than giving orders. A good leader helps others, listens to the team, and works hard. But how do we talk about leadership

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metaphors about jesus

48 Metaphors About Jesus

In the USA, many people talk about Jesus using special word pictures. These pictures are called metaphors. A metaphor compares one thing to something else, helping people understand ideas in

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metaphors about myself

45 Metaphors About Myself

Sometimes it’s hard to explain how we feel inside. In the USA, many people use metaphors to help describe those feelings. A metaphor is a way to say one thing

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metaphors for fighting

33 Metaphors for Fighting

Sometimes people have arguments. It might be a fight between friends, family members, or even strangers. In the United States, people often use strong and interesting words to describe fights.

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metaphors about anxiety

45 Metaphors for Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling many kids and adults in the USA experience. It can show up when you’re about to take a big test, give a speech, or try something

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metaphors about pollution

35 Metaphors About Pollution

Pollution is a big problem in the USA. It affects our air, water, and land. Sometimes, it’s hard to explain how pollution feels or looks. That’s when we use metaphors.

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metaphors for hypocrisy

28 Metaphors for Hypocrisy

People in the USA often use metaphors to describe tricky things. One of these tricky things is hypocrisy—when someone says one thing but does another. It can be confusing, especially

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metaphors for journey

45 Metaphors for Journey

In the United States, people often talk about life like it’s a journey. This means that life is full of changes, challenges, and new things to learn. A journey isn’t

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metaphors about patience

40 Metaphors About Patience

Patience is something people in the USA talk about a lot, whether they’re waiting in line at a store or staying calm during a busy day. It’s not always easy

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metaphors for crying

55 Metaphors for Crying

Crying is something everyone does. It can happen when you’re sad, hurt, or even really happy. Sometimes, it’s hard to explain how we feel when we cry. That’s why people

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metaphors about dogs

45 Metaphors About Dogs

Dogs are important to many people in the USA. They are pets, helpers, and loyal friends. Because dogs are so loved, people use them in language to describe feelings, actions,

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metaphors about dance

38 Metaphors About Dance

In the USA, people love to dance at parties, weddings, and even in their own homes. Dance is more than just moving your feet—it’s a way to share feelings, stories,

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metaphors about books

48 Metaphors About Books

Books are a big part of life in the USA. People read them to learn, relax, or take a break from daily life. Sometimes, books feel like more than just

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metaphors for hate

45 Metaphors for Hate

Hate is a strong feeling that can be hard to explain. It often comes from anger, fear, or being hurt. People sometimes use special ways to talk about hate, like

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metaphors about emotions

40 Metaphors About Emotions

In the USA, people often use special phrases to describe how they feel. These phrases help others understand what someone is going through. Sometimes, our feelings are hard to explain

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metaphors about voice

28 Metaphors About Voice

Have you ever tried to explain how someone’s voice sounds? Maybe it was soft like a whisper or strong like thunder. In the United States, people often use special word

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metaphors for chaos

38 Metaphors for Chaos

Life can get pretty messy sometimes. Imagine your room after a big birthday party or your mind when too many things happen all at once. That wild, confusing feeling is

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metaphors for teachers

55 Metaphors for Teachers

Teaching in the USA is more than just a job. Teachers shape young minds, guide futures, and give students the tools they need to grow. But how do we describe

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metaphors about death

35 Metaphors About Death

Talking about death can be hard. People often feel sad, scared, or unsure when someone dies. In the United States, people sometimes use special phrases, called metaphors, to talk about

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metaphors about sky

53 Metaphors About Sky

The sky has always caught the attention of people in the USA and around the world. It changes every day—from bright and blue to dark and stormy. People often use

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metaphor about victory

38 Metaphor About Victory

Victory is a powerful feeling that many people in the USA love to celebrate. It happens when you win something after working hard—like winning a game, solving a big problem,

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metaphors for energy

33 Metaphors for Energy

In the USA, we use all kinds of creative ways to talk about how much energy someone has. Whether it’s a child who’s bouncing off the walls or a worker

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metaphors about jumping

28 Metaphors About Jumping

Jumping is something we all do. Kids in the USA jump in puddles, over cracks in sidewalks, or during games at recess. Jumping is more than just moving upward—it shows

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metaphors for rare

33 Metaphors About Rare

In the United States, people love using creative ways to explain things. One way is by using metaphors. Metaphors help describe feelings or ideas by comparing them to something else.

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metaphors about parents

43 Metaphors About Parents

Parents play a big role in every child’s life, especially in the USA. They help us grow, teach us what’s right and wrong, and support us when things get hard.

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metaphors about family

45 Metaphors About Family

Families are important in many American homes. They are the people who care for us, support us, and spend time with us. Sometimes, it’s hard to describe how special or

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metaphors for pregnancy

40 Metaphors for Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a special journey that many people go through. In the USA, people often use creative phrases to talk about it in a fun or meaningful way. One way

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metaphors for crazy

45 Metaphors for Crazy

Sometimes, people act in ways that seem very strange or wild. In the United States, many say someone is “crazy” when they do things that don’t make sense or are

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metaphors for education

55 Metaphors for Education

Learning in the United States can feel like an adventure. From elementary school to college, students face new challenges each year. To describe this journey, people often use metaphors. These

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metaphors about lying

48 Metaphors About Lying

In the USA, people use many creative ways to describe lying. Instead of saying “he lied,” someone might say “he bent the truth” or “she told a fish tale.” These

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metaphors for conflict

45 Metaphors for Conflict

In the United States, people use many creative ways to talk about conflict. Sometimes, just saying “we had a fight” doesn’t explain how it really felt. That’s where metaphors come

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metaphors for bad memory

35 Metaphors for Bad Memory

Have you ever forgotten where you put your keys or walked into a room and couldn’t remember why? In the United States, people often use creative ways to talk about

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metaphors for memories

50 Metaphors for Memories

Memories help us remember special moments from our lives. Some are happy, like birthdays and vacations. Others may be sad or quiet. In the United States, we talk about memories

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metaphors for creativity

55 Metaphors for Creativity

Creativity is a big part of life in the USA. Whether you’re making a drawing, writing a story, or solving a problem, creativity helps you think in fun and smart

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metaphors about space

35 Metaphors About Space

Space is a big, wide place. It’s full of stars, planets, and mysteries that stretch far beyond what we can see. Because it’s so large and sometimes hard to understand,

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metaphors about summer

45 Metaphors About Summer

Summer in the USA is more than just warm weather. It’s the season of swimming pools, backyard barbecues, and long road trips. Kids are out of school, families go on

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metaphors for determination

43 Metaphors for Determination

Some people never give up. They keep going, no matter how hard things get. In America, we like to call this kind of spirit determination. When we talk about it,

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metaphors for obsession

28 Metaphors for Obsession

In the United States, people often use special phrases or comparisons to talk about strong feelings. One strong feeling is obsession. Obsession is when someone thinks about something all the

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metaphors for impossible

45 Metaphors for Impossible

Sometimes in life, things seem just too hard to do. We might say they feel “impossible.” But instead of just saying that word, people in the USA often use metaphors

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metaphors for disappointment

48 Metaphors for Disappointment

Everyone feels disappointed sometimes. Maybe your favorite team lost a big game. Maybe your birthday plans had to change. Disappointment is that sad or let-down feeling when things don’t go

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metaphors for fun

45 Metaphors for Fun

In the United States, people love to use creative words to talk about feelings, actions, or even fun times. One way they do this is by using metaphors. A metaphor

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metaphors for choice

35 Metaphors for Choice

Every day, people in the USA make choices—what to wear, what to eat, or what game to play. Some choices are small, and some are big. To help explain these

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metaphors for failure

45 Metaphors for Failure

Sometimes, things don’t go the way we plan. In the United States and around the world, people talk about failure in many creative ways. One way they do this is

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metaphors about relationships

40 Metaphors About Relationships

In the United States, people often use metaphors to talk about how they feel in relationships. A metaphor is a way of comparing something to help others understand it better.

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metaphors about isolation

45 Metaphors About Isolation

Feeling alone is something many people go through, even in the USA. Sometimes it happens when we move to a new school or when no one seems to understand us.

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metaphors about work

38 Metaphors About Work

In the United States, work is an important part of life. People work in offices, stores, schools, and even from home. Talking about work can be hard sometimes, especially when

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metaphors about procrastination

25 Metaphors About Procrastination

In America, many people struggle with putting off work or chores. This is called procrastination. It means not doing something even when we know it needs to get done. Sometimes,

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metaphors for bravery

55 Metaphors for Bravery

Bravery is something we see every day in the USA. It could be a firefighter running into a burning building or a student standing up for a friend. People often

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metaphors for cancer

28 Metaphors for Cancer

Cancer is a word that many people in the USA hear often. It can affect anyone—young or old. Talking about it is hard. So, people sometimes use metaphors to explain

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metaphors about experience

33 Metaphors About Experience

Experiences are part of everyday life. We all go through things that teach us something. Sometimes these moments are fun and easy. Other times, they are tough and help us

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metaphors for loyalty

40 Metaphors for Loyalty

Loyalty is when someone stands by you no matter what. It means they are faithful and won’t turn their back on you. This can be between friends, family, pets, or

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metaphors for heart

43 Metaphors for Heart

Metaphors are ways we compare feelings to things we know. They help us understand hard emotions in a simple way. One feeling people often talk about is what it means

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metaphors for confidence

35 Metaphors for Confidence

Confidence is when you believe in yourself and feel sure about what you can do. It helps you try new things, speak up, and keep going even if things are

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metaphors for danger

28 Metaphors for Danger

Danger can come in many forms. Sometimes it’s loud and sudden, like a car crash. Other times, it sneaks up quietly, like a slippery floor. People use metaphors to help

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metaphors about violence

25 Metaphors About Violence

Violence is a hard subject, but people often talk about it using strong and clear pictures in their words. These pictures are called metaphors. A metaphor helps us understand something

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metaphors about success

40 Metaphors About Success

Success is something many people dream about. It can mean winning a game, getting a good grade, or reaching a goal. People often use creative words to describe how success

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metaphors for white

35 Metaphors for White

White is a color we see every day. It’s the color of snow, clouds, and even milk. But white is more than just a color. People often use it to

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metaphors for pride

40 Metaphors for Pride

Pride is a strong feeling people get when they do something well. It’s the joy you feel after earning a good grade, helping a friend, or reaching a goal. Sometimes,

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metaphors for math

45 Metaphors for Math

Math is everywhere. We use it to count, measure, and solve problems. But math is not always easy to understand. That’s why people sometimes use metaphors to explain it. A

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metaphors for drugs

38 Metaphors for Drugs

Drugs can affect people in many different ways. Some drugs are used as medicine to help people feel better. Others can be harmful and cause serious problems. To explain how

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