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 names

30 Metaphors About Names

Names are more than just labels. They can tell a story, show where someone is from, or remind us of people we care about. When people talk about names in

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metaphors for fate

25 Metaphors for Fate

Sometimes, life surprises us. We don’t always know what will happen next. That’s why people use special phrases called metaphors to describe how life works. One topic many people think

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metaphors for curiosity

45 Metaphors for Curiosity

Curiosity is a feeling we all know. It’s that little voice in your head that says, “What’s behind this door?” or “Why does this happen?” It makes you want to

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metaphors about weather

48 Metaphors About Weather

Weather is something we talk about every day. It can be sunny, rainy, windy, or stormy. But did you know that people also use weather words to talk about their

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metaphors about health

28 Metaphors About Health

When we talk about health, we don’t always use plain words. Sometimes we use creative phrases to describe how our body or mind feels. These are called metaphors. A metaphor

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metaphors about autumn

45 Metaphors About Autumn

Autumn is a special time of year when the air turns crisp, leaves change color, and days get shorter. It’s the season between summer and winter. People often use metaphors

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metaphors for organization

25 Metaphors for Organization

Being organized means keeping things in order so life is easier. When your room is neat, your schoolwork is sorted, or your backpack is packed just right, that’s organization. But

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metaphors about homework

35 Metaphors About Homework

Homework is something many students have to do every day. It can sometimes feel easy, but other times, it can feel like a big task. People often use creative ways

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metaphors for focus

25 Metaphors for Focus

Sometimes it can be hard to stay focused. Maybe you’re trying to do your homework, but the TV is on. Or maybe you’re in class, but you’re thinking about lunch.

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metaphors for sleep

45 Metaphors for Sleep

Sleep is something we all need every day. It helps our bodies rest and our minds feel fresh. But sleep is more than just closing your eyes. It’s like going

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metaphors about birds

48 Metaphors About Birds

Birds are found almost everywhere in nature. They fly in the sky, sing in the trees, and build nests in many places. People have always watched birds and thought about

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metaphors for the church

28 Metaphors for the Church

Many people use special phrases to describe the Church. These phrases help us understand what the Church is and how it helps people. One way to describe the Church is

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metaphors about children

40 Metaphors About Children

Children are full of energy, imagination, and wonder. To describe them, people often use metaphors. Metaphors are phrases that compare one thing to another without using “like” or “as.” They

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metaphors for mothers

45 Metaphors for Mothers

Mothers are special people in our lives. They care for us, teach us, and love us in many ways. Because they do so much, it can be hard to find

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metaphors about kindness

40 Metaphors About Kindness

Kindness is something everyone can give. It doesn’t cost money, and even small acts can make someone’s day better. People show kindness by helping others, sharing, or just being friendly.

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metaphors about eyes

38 Metaphors About Eyes

Eyes are more than just the parts of our face that help us see. They can also show how we feel. When someone is happy, their eyes might shine. When

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metaphors for new beginnings

40 Metaphors for New Beginnings

Starting something new can be exciting. It can also be a little scary. Whether it’s moving to a new place, beginning a new grade, or trying something different, new beginnings

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metaphors for depression

35 Metaphors for Depression

Feeling sad is something everyone goes through sometimes. But when that sadness sticks around for a long time, it might be something more than just a bad day. We call

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metaphors about sailing

25 Metaphors About Sailing

Sailing is an exciting way to travel on water using boats and the wind. Long ago, people used sailing ships to explore new lands, trade goods, and go on adventures.

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metaphors for bullying

28 Metaphors for Bullying

Bullying is a serious problem that can hurt people’s feelings and make them feel sad or scared. It can happen at school, online, or even in a neighborhood. When someone

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metaphors about rainbows

25 Metaphors About Rainbows

Rainbows are more than just colors in the sky. They often make us smile after it rains. People use rainbows in their words to explain feelings, ideas, or hopes. When

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metaphors about home

45 Metaphors About Home

Home is more than just walls and a roof. It’s a place where people feel safe, loved, and understood. It’s where memories are made, meals are shared, and stories are

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metaphors for old age

50 Metaphors for Old Age

Old age is a special part of life. It comes after many years of learning, growing, and living through different times. People often use metaphors to describe what growing old

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metaphors about grass

40 Metaphors About Grass

Have you ever looked at a field of grass and thought about what it might mean? Grass seems simple, but it can say a lot. Writers often use grass in

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metaphors about knowledge

28 Metaphors About Knowledge

Have you ever tried to explain something hard to understand? Sometimes, using regular words isn’t enough. That’s where metaphors come in. A metaphor helps us understand something by comparing it

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metaphors about art

38 Metaphors About Art

Art is more than just paint on a canvas. It’s a way people share ideas and feelings. Sometimes, it’s hard to describe how art makes us feel. That’s where metaphors

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metaphors for communication

48 Metaphors for Communication

Communication is how people share thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Sometimes, it’s easy to talk and be understood. Other times, it feels tricky. To help describe how we talk and understand

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metaphors about addiction

45 Metaphors About Addiction

Addiction is a serious problem that many people face. It can affect anyone—kids, teens, and adults. Addiction means not being able to stop doing something, even if it’s harmful. People

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metaphors about winter

55 Metaphors About Winter

Winter is a season that brings cold air, falling snow, and shorter days. People often describe how winter feels using metaphors. These are special phrases that compare winter to other

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metaphors for night

38 Metaphors for Night

Night is a time many people find calm, quiet, or even mystery. It is when the sun goes down, and the world feels different. Some people think night is peaceful,

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metaphors about food

45 Metaphors About Food

Food is more than just something we eat. It brings people together, shows love, and even helps us talk about our feelings. Many people use food words to describe how

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metaphors for lions

35 Metaphors for Lions

Lions are strong and brave animals. They are known as the kings of the jungle. People have watched lions for many years and noticed how they move, act, and live

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metaphors about rain

45 Metaphors About Rain

Rain is more than just water falling from the sky. It can change how we feel and how we see the world. Sometimes, rain makes people feel calm and peaceful.

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metaphors about rivers

28 Metaphors About Rivers

Rivers are always moving. They twist and turn through forests, cities, and fields. People have watched rivers for a long time and started to see them like thoughts, feelings, or

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metaphors about rocks

25 Metaphors About Rocks

Rocks are strong, solid, and often seen as unbreakable. People use rocks in many ways, like building things, skipping them across water, or collecting them for fun. Because they are

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metaphors for clean

45 Metaphors for Clean

Sometimes, regular words just don’t do the job. That’s when metaphors come in. A metaphor is a way of saying one thing is something else to help describe it better.

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metaphors for mental health

40 Metaphors for Mental Health

Mental health is about how we think, feel, and act. It also helps us handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Sometimes, when we feel sad, scared, or confused,

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metaphors about keys

25 Metaphors About Keys

Keys help us open doors, start cars, and keep things safe. They are small but very important. In stories and everyday talk, people often use keys to explain feelings or

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metaphors about baseball

50 Metaphors About Baseball

Baseball is more than just a game in the United States. It’s part of many people’s lives. People play it at parks, watch it on TV, and cheer for their

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metaphors for laughing

45 Metaphors for Laughing

People laugh when they feel happy, amused, or surprised. Laughing is something everyone does, and it’s a big part of having fun. Sometimes, a laugh is quiet, like a giggle.

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metaphors for chocolate

40 Metaphors for Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most loved treats in the world. People eat it when they are happy, sad, or just hungry for something sweet. It can come in many

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metaphors about vulnerability

28 Metaphors About Vulnerability

Sometimes we feel open and exposed, like everyone can see what we are thinking or feeling. This can happen when we are nervous, scared, or unsure of ourselves. These moments

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metaphors about yourself

43 Metaphors About Yourself

Everyone sees themselves in different ways. Some people feel brave like a lion, while others feel quiet like a mouse. To help explain how we feel about ourselves, we often

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metaphors for tall

45 Metaphors for Tall

Some people are very tall. To describe tall people or tall things, we don’t always just say “tall.” People use special phrases to paint a picture with words. These phrases

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metaphors for football

40 Metaphors for Football

Football is a game that many people love. It’s not just about kicking a ball. It’s about teamwork, effort, and quick thinking. People often use special phrases, called metaphors, to

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metaphors about nervousness

38 Metaphors About Nervousness

Nervousness is something everyone feels sometimes. It might happen before speaking in front of the class or meeting new people. When you feel nervous, your hands might shake, your heart

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metaphors about wind

35 Metaphors About Wind

Wind is all around us. It can be soft and gentle or strong and loud. People have always talked about wind in different ways. One way they do this is

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metaphors about equality

25 Metaphors About Equality

Equality means treating everyone the same and giving everyone a fair chance. It’s something people talk about a lot in schools, communities, and even in big governments. But sometimes, it

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metaphors for pizza

40 Metaphors for Pizza

Pizza is one of the most loved foods in the United States. Whether it’s pepperoni, cheese, veggie, or meat lover’s, most people have a favorite kind. But did you know

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metaphors about people

35 Metaphors About People

People often use metaphors to describe how others act or feel. A metaphor is when we say one thing is another thing to help us understand better. For example, if

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metaphors for fish

38 Metaphors for Fish

Fish are found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even ponds. They swim through water quietly and smoothly. Because of this, people have used fish in many ways to describe thoughts,

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metaphors for justice

45 Metaphors for Justice

Justice means fairness. It means doing what is right. When someone breaks a rule, justice helps to make things fair again. It helps to fix problems and treat everyone the

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metaphors about questions

28 Metaphors About Questions

Sometimes, asking questions is like opening a door to a new world. But have you ever thought about how people describe questions in creative ways? People often use metaphors to

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metaphors for motivation

43 Metaphors for Motivation

Sometimes we all need a little push to keep going. Whether it’s finishing homework, training for a race, or trying something new, motivation helps us stay strong. But describing how

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metaphors about cats

45 Metaphors About Cats

Cats are special animals. They can be calm and quiet, or wild and playful. People have lived with cats for thousands of years. Because of this, many sayings and comparisons

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metaphors for kissing

40 Metaphors for Kissing

Kissing is a special way people show love, care, or affection. It can be a quick peck on the cheek or a long hug with lips. Because it feels different

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metaphors about youth

43 Metaphors About Youth

Youth is a time full of energy, discovery, and growth. It’s when people are learning new things, making friends, and trying to understand who they are. Because it can feel

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metaphors about mountains

45 Metaphors About Mountains

Mountains are tall, strong, and sometimes hard to climb. They can be beautiful but also difficult to get past. People often use mountains to talk about problems or big goals

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metaphors for immigration

25 Metaphors for Immigration

Moving to a new country can feel exciting, but also a little scary. People leave their homes to find better jobs, live in safer places, or be with family. When

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metaphors about volcanoes

25 Metaphors About Volcanoes

Volcanoes are powerful and surprising. Sometimes they sit quietly for years, and then suddenly, they erupt. People have used volcanoes to explain strong feelings or actions that build up over

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metaphors for divorce

38 Metaphors for Divorce

Divorce is when two people who were married decide not to live together anymore. It can be a big change for families. Sometimes it makes people feel sad, confused, or

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metaphors for heaven

25 Metaphors for Heaven

Heaven is often described as a place of peace, beauty, and happiness. Since no one has seen it with their own eyes, people use special words to imagine what it

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metaphors for comfort

40 Metaphors for Comfort

Sometimes, words alone can’t fully explain how we feel. That’s why people often use metaphors. A metaphor helps us picture a feeling by comparing it to something else. When we

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metaphors about diamonds

25 Metaphors About Diamonds

Diamonds are known for their beauty, strength, and sparkle. Because of these special qualities, people often use diamonds in metaphors to explain thoughts or feelings. A metaphor compares two things

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metaphors about flowers

45 Metaphors About Flowers

Flowers are more than just pretty plants. They help us express feelings in ways that words sometimes can’t. People use flower metaphors to show beauty, change, hope, and even sadness.

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metaphors for gold

25 Metaphors for Gold

Gold is a shiny metal that people have loved for thousands of years. It is bright, beautiful, and rare. Because it is so special, gold is often used in language

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metaphors for confusion

55 Metaphors for Confusion

Sometimes, our thoughts get messy. We don’t know what to think or feel. This happens when we are confused. It can feel like getting lost in a maze or trying

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metaphors for smart

40 Metaphors for Smart

Being smart means more than just getting good grades. It can show how people solve problems, think fast, or come up with great ideas. People use different ways to describe

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metaphors about christmas

45 Metaphors About Christmas

Christmas is a special time full of warmth, lights, and happy memories. People decorate trees, give gifts, and spend time with loved ones. But sometimes, it’s hard to describe how

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metaphors for support

38 Metaphors for Support

Everyone needs help sometimes. When things get hard, having someone by your side makes it easier. People often use creative words to talk about this kind of help. These are

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metaphors about learning

40 Metaphors About Learning

Learning is something we all do every day. We learn at school, at home, and even while playing with friends. Sometimes learning is easy, and sometimes it takes time and

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metaphors about flying

25 Metaphors About Flying

Flying is something many people dream about. It’s not just about planes or birds. It’s also about feeling free, brave, or excited. That’s why people use flying to describe their

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metaphors for perfect

38 Metaphors for Perfect

Sometimes, things are so good that regular words don’t seem strong enough to describe them. That’s when people use metaphors. Metaphors compare something to another thing to show how amazing

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metaphors for loud

45 Metaphors for Loud

Sometimes, sounds can be so strong that regular words just don’t seem enough. That’s why people often use metaphors to describe things that are loud. A metaphor is when we

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metaphors about snow

45 Metaphors About Snow

Snow is cold, white, and soft. When it falls from the sky, it can cover everything in sight. People often use special words to describe snow. One way they do

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metaphors for lost

43 Metaphors for Lost

Sometimes, people feel lost inside even when they know where they are. It can happen after losing a friend, facing a big change, or not knowing what to do next.

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metaphors for cold weather

43 Metaphors for Cold Weather

Cold weather can feel very different depending on where you are and how it affects you. Sometimes, it feels sharp and biting. Other times, it just makes everything feel quiet

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metaphors about dreams

45 Metaphors About Dreams

Dreams are powerful. They help us imagine what we want to be or do in life. Sometimes, people talk about dreams using special phrases called metaphors. A metaphor is a

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metaphors for fast

43 Metaphors for Fast

Speed is all around us. We see it when a cheetah runs across the grasslands or when a race car zooms down the track. People often use metaphors to describe

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metaphors about fire

40 Metaphors About Fire

Fire is something we see in many places. We might sit by a campfire, watch fireworks, or feel the heat from a stove. But fire can also be used in

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metaphors about beauty

48 Metaphors About Beauty

Have you ever seen something so pretty that it left you speechless? People often try to describe beauty using special words that compare it to other things. These special words

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metaphors for loneliness

35 Metaphors for Loneliness

Feeling lonely is something everyone goes through at some point. It might happen when you’re sitting by yourself or even when you’re in a room full of people. It’s that

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metaphors about money

43 Metaphors About Money

Money is a big part of our daily lives. We use it to buy food, clothes, and toys. People also talk about money in many different ways. One fun way

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metaphors about nature

40 Metaphors About Nature

Nature is all around us—trees, rivers, mountains, and the sky. It is calm and peaceful, but sometimes, it can also be strong and wild. People often use nature to describe

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metaphors for growth

45 Metaphors for Growth

Have you ever seen a plant grow from a tiny seed into a big tree? That change is called growth. Growth can happen in nature, but it also happens in

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metaphors about love

45 Metaphors About Love

Love is a strong feeling that people often try to describe in many ways. One special way they do this is through metaphors. A metaphor helps compare love to something

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metaphors about life

50 Metaphors About Life

Life can feel many different ways depending on what is happening. Sometimes, it feels exciting and full of hope. Other times, it feels hard and confusing. People often use metaphors

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metaphor about knife

35 Metaphor About Knife

Sometimes when people feel really hurt, they say it feels like being stabbed with a knife. Of course, no one is really using a knife, but the pain in their

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metaphors about drowning

33 Metaphors About Drowning

Sometimes, strong feelings are hard to explain. When people feel very sad, scared, or overwhelmed, they often use comparisons to help others understand. One powerful way to do this is

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metaphors for connection

40 Metaphors for Connection

People like to feel close to others. Whether it’s between friends, family, or classmates, feeling connected helps us feel safe and happy. But it’s not always easy to describe that

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metaphors for photography

25 Metaphors for Photography

Photography helps us see the world in different ways. A picture can capture a moment, a feeling, or even a story. Sometimes, it’s hard to explain how powerful a photo

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metaphors about marriage

45 Metaphors About Marriage

Marriage is a special bond between two people. It is built on love, trust, and teamwork. Just like we use fun and creative ways to talk about other feelings, people

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metaphors about hope

38 Metaphors About Hope

Hope is the feeling that something good can still happen, even when things are hard. It helps people stay strong and look forward to better days. When things go wrong,

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metaphors about pain

35 Metaphors About Pain

Pain is something everyone feels. It can be from a cut, a fall, or even from something sad that happens. Sometimes, the hurt is on the outside, like a bruise.

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metaphors for balance

30 Metaphors for Balance

Balance is something we try to have in life. It helps us feel steady and calm. We use balance to walk, ride a bike, or even make choices. If something

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metaphors for resilience

45 Metaphors for Resilience

Resilience means being strong when things get tough. It’s like bouncing back after falling down. When someone is resilient, they don’t give up easily. Even when life is hard, they

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metaphors about women

28 Metaphors About Women

Women have always been described in many ways through language. One interesting way people do this is by using metaphors. Metaphors compare a woman to something else, like a flower,

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