Life is full of comparisons, even if we don’t notice them. We often describe feelings, people, or situations by linking them to familiar things.
This is where extended metaphors shine: they take one idea and stretch it across a sentence, paragraph, or even a story.
Curious how these creative comparisons can make your writing more vivid and fun? Let’s dive in!
Quick Understanding
Extended metaphors work by comparing one thing to another over multiple words or sentences, helping readers picture your idea clearly. For example, saying “life is a rollercoaster” and then describing ups and downs is an extended metaphor. Another simple one: “Her mind was a garden, blooming with ideas.” These comparisons make descriptions lively and relatable.
Extended metaphor examples
Life is often compared to a river that twists, slows, and rushes forward through different stages.
A classroom can be described as a garden where teachers plant knowledge and students grow through learning.
Time may be compared to a thief that quietly steals moments without warning.
Friendship can become a bridge that connects people across difficult situations.
A city might be presented as a living machine filled with moving parts and endless energy.
Dreams are sometimes shown as stars guiding people through darkness.
An athlete’s journey may be written as a battlefield filled with struggles and victories.
The internet can be compared to an ocean filled with endless information and hidden dangers.
A family may be described as a tree with roots, branches, and growth through generations.
Books are often portrayed as doors that open into new worlds and ideas.
Extended metaphors list
Life as a journey.
Education as a ladder.
Love as a fire.
Hope as a light.
Fear as a shadow.
Knowledge as a key.
Success as a mountain climb.
Failure as a storm.
Dreams as stars.
Friendship as a bridge.
The mind as a machine.
Society as a beehive.
Time as a river.
The world as a stage.
Human emotions as weather.
Extended metaphor examples for students
A student preparing for exams can be compared to a soldier training for battle.
Homework may be described as stepping stones leading toward future success.
A school year can become a marathon that requires patience and endurance.
Learning a new subject may feel like unlocking doors inside the mind.
A library can be compared to a treasure chest filled with hidden gems of knowledge.
Teachers are sometimes described as gardeners helping young minds bloom.
A student’s future may be shown as a blank canvas waiting for colors and ideas.
Group projects can resemble a ship where every member must work together to stay on course.
Confidence in school may be compared to wings that help students rise higher.
Mistakes can be presented as teachers that guide students toward improvement.
Short extended metaphor examples
Life is a train moving through stations of joy and struggle.
The classroom is a workshop shaping young minds into strong thinkers.
Hope is a candle glowing during dark moments.
Dreams are seeds growing with patience and effort.
Fear is a cage holding back confidence.
Knowledge is a ladder leading toward opportunity.
Success is a sunrise after a long night of hard work.
Friendship is an umbrella during emotional storms.
Time is sand slipping quietly through fingers.
Books are windows opening toward imagination.
Extended metaphor effect
Extended metaphors make writing more emotional and imaginative.
They help readers visualize ideas more clearly by connecting abstract concepts to familiar images.
Writers use extended metaphors to create stronger emotional impact in poems, novels, and speeches.
These metaphors improve storytelling because they add depth and creativity.
Readers often remember extended metaphors because they create vivid mental pictures.
In education, extended metaphors help students understand difficult topics more easily.
They also strengthen persuasive writing by making arguments feel more relatable.
An effective extended metaphor keeps readers interested from beginning to end.
Creative comparisons can make ordinary writing sound artistic and unique.
Extended metaphors also reveal a writer’s personal style and imagination.
Extended metaphor examples with answers
“The world is a stage, and people are actors performing different roles in life.”
Answer: Life is being compared to a theatrical performance.
“Her mind was a library filled with endless shelves of memories.”
Answer: The mind is compared to a library.
“The classroom became a battlefield during the debate competition.”
Answer: The debate is compared to a battle.
“Hope was a small flame that refused to die in the storm.”
Answer: Hope is compared to a flame.
“His dreams were wings carrying him beyond limitations.”
Answer: Dreams are compared to wings.
“The internet is a giant ocean full of information and hidden dangers.”
Answer: The internet is compared to an ocean.
“Time marched forward like an unstoppable army.”
Answer: Time is compared to an army.
“The city was a jungle filled with noise and movement.”
Answer: The city is compared to a jungle.
“Books are passports leading readers into different worlds.”
Answer: Books are compared to passports.
“Education is a bridge connecting dreams to reality.”
Answer: Education is compared to a bridge.
Extended metaphor synonym
An extended metaphor is sometimes called a sustained metaphor because the comparison continues for a long section of writing.
Some writers also refer to it as a continuous metaphor due to its ongoing descriptive structure.
In literature studies, it may be connected with allegorical writing when the metaphor shapes an entire story.
Poetic symbolism is another related term because both use imaginative comparisons.
Figurative comparison is a broader synonym connected to metaphorical language.
Literary analogy can sometimes describe a similar writing technique.
Symbolic narrative is also used when metaphors continue throughout a text.
Creative comparison is an informal synonym often used in writing discussions.
Descriptive symbolism may relate to extended metaphors in poetry and fiction.
Writers and teachers commonly use the term “sustained metaphor” as the closest synonym in academic English.
Extended metaphors examples
- Life is like a river
Meaning: Always moving
Definition: Life flows continuously and cannot stop - Love is like a treasure chest
Meaning: Valuable and rare
Definition: Love is precious and worth cherishing - Knowledge is like a key
Meaning: Unlocks opportunities
Definition: Learning opens doors to new possibilities - Friendship is like a bridge
Meaning: Connects people
Definition: Friends link hearts across distances - Hope is like a candle
Meaning: Brings light in darkness
Definition: Hope guides through tough times - Dreams are like wings
Meaning: Give freedom
Definition: Dreams allow you to rise above limitations - Time is like sand slipping through fingers
Meaning: Fleeting
Definition: Time passes quickly and cannot be held - Courage is like armor
Meaning: Provides protection
Definition: Bravery shields you from emotional or mental harm - Happiness is like a melody
Meaning: Uplifting
Definition: Joy brings harmony to life - Pain is like a storm
Meaning: Cleansing and temporary
Definition: Suffering clears the way for growth
Extended metaphors for students
- Learning is like a ladder
Meaning: Step-by-step progress
Definition: Knowledge builds gradually - Homework is like a mountain
Meaning: Challenging but achievable
Definition: Tasks may seem large but can be completed - Exams are like hurdles
Meaning: Obstacles to overcome
Definition: Tests challenge skills and effort - Knowledge is like a treasure
Meaning: Valuable and rewarding
Definition: Learning enriches your mind and life - Education is like a map
Meaning: Provides direction
Definition: School guides you through life - Curiosity is like a spark
Meaning: Ignites ideas
Definition: Asking questions leads to learning - Mistakes are like teachers
Meaning: Lessons in disguise
Definition: Errors help you grow and improve - School is like a garden
Meaning: Place to grow
Definition: Students flourish with care and knowledge - Reading is like exercise
Meaning: Strengthens the mind
Definition: Books train your brain - Knowledge is like light
Meaning: Illuminates the unknown
Definition: Learning helps you understand the world
Extended metaphor examples for students
- Imagination is like a key
Meaning: Unlocks creativity
Definition: Thinking creatively opens new doors - Writing is like painting
Meaning: Expressive
Definition: Words can color thoughts vividly - Study time is like fuel
Meaning: Provides energy
Definition: Learning powers future success - Curiosity is like a compass
Meaning: Guides exploration
Definition: Asking questions helps navigate knowledge - Focus is like a magnifying glass
Meaning: Amplifies results
Definition: Concentration enhances learning outcomes - Questions are like windows
Meaning: Show new perspectives
Definition: Asking helps you see things differently - Memory is like a vault
Meaning: Stores knowledge
Definition: Information is preserved in your mind - Teachers are like gardeners
Meaning: Nurture growth
Definition: Educators help students develop - Effort is like sunlight
Meaning: Makes growth possible
Definition: Hard work helps learning bloom - Reading is like a lantern
Meaning: Brings clarity
Definition: Books illuminate understanding
Extended metaphor effect
- Life is like a journey
Meaning: Full of paths
Definition: Life moves through stages and experiences - Love is like a flame
Meaning: Warm and powerful
Definition: Love provides energy and connection - Knowledge is like water
Meaning: Essential
Definition: Learning sustains and nourishes the mind - Friendship is like a tree
Meaning: Grows over time
Definition: Bonds deepen and provide support - Hope is like a lighthouse
Meaning: Provides direction
Definition: Hope guides during difficult times - Dreams are like clouds
Meaning: Shapeless but inspiring
Definition: Imagination gives form to goals - Time is like a shadow
Meaning: Always present
Definition: Time follows and shapes life - Courage is like a shield
Meaning: Offers protection
Definition: Bravery defends against fear - Happiness is like sunshine
Meaning: Brightens life
Definition: Joy makes life pleasant - Pain is like winter
Meaning: Harsh but temporary
Definition: Difficulties pass and allow new growth
Extended metaphor examples with answers
- Love is like a rose
Meaning: Beautiful but delicate
Definition: Love requires care to flourish - Life is like a book
Meaning: Chapters unfold
Definition: Each stage tells a story - Knowledge is like a sword
Meaning: Powerful tool
Definition: Learning can defend or advance you - Friendship is like glue
Meaning: Holds people together
Definition: Bonds strengthen over time - Hope is like a seed
Meaning: Grows slowly
Definition: Optimism develops into results - Dreams are like stars
Meaning: Guide the way
Definition: Goals provide direction and inspiration - Time is like a thief
Meaning: Takes away moments
Definition: Life passes quickly - Courage is like fire
Meaning: Burns within
Definition: Bravery motivates action - Happiness is like music
Meaning: Uplifting
Definition: Joy creates harmony - Pain is like rain
Meaning: Cleanses and refreshes
Definition: Suffering helps growth
Extended metaphor synonym
- Life is like a river
Meaning: Ever-changing
Definition: Life flows constantly - Love is like a jewel
Meaning: Precious and rare
Definition: Love is valuable - Knowledge is like a treasure
Meaning: Worth seeking
Definition: Learning is highly rewarding - Friendship is like a rope
Meaning: Holds tightly
Definition: Strong bonds support you - Hope is like a beacon
Meaning: Guides and inspires
Definition: Optimism shows the path - Dreams are like a kite
Meaning: Fly high
Definition: Ambitions soar when nurtured - Time is like wind
Meaning: Moves silently
Definition: Life passes naturally - Courage is like a mountain
Meaning: Strong and steady
Definition: Bravery remains firm - Happiness is like a garden
Meaning: Requires care
Definition: Joy grows with attention - Pain is like a shadow
Meaning: Follows life
Definition: Hardship is always present but temporary
10 examples of extended metaphor
- Love is like chocolate
Meaning: Sweet and irresistible
Definition: Love brings pleasure and comfort - Life is like a rollercoaster
Meaning: Full of ups and downs
Definition: Experiences vary in intensity - Knowledge is like a ladder
Meaning: Step-by-step growth
Definition: Learning progresses gradually - Friendship is like a mirror
Meaning: Reflects who you are
Definition: Friends show true selves - Hope is like a sunrise
Meaning: Brings new beginnings
Definition: Optimism renews each day - Dreams are like clouds
Meaning: Inspiring and flexible
Definition: Imagination shapes goals - Time is like a river
Meaning: Always moving
Definition: Life is in constant motion - Courage is like a lion
Meaning: Brave and strong
Definition: Fearless actions require boldness - Happiness is like chocolate
Meaning: Sweet and comforting
Definition: Joy brings delight - Pain is like a storm
Meaning: Temporary turbulence
Definition: Difficulties eventually pass
Extended metaphor in Literature
- Hamlet is like a trapped bird
Meaning: Feels confined
Definition: Characters struggle against circumstances - Macbeth is like fire
Meaning: Destructive and passionate
Definition: Ambition consumes him - Romeo and Juliet are like stars
Meaning: Distant but connected
Definition: Love persists despite obstacles - Gatsby is like a moth
Meaning: Drawn to light
Definition: Pursues dreams even at risk - Odysseus is like a sailboat
Meaning: Journeying through storms
Definition: Faces many challenges - Lady Macbeth is like a shadow
Meaning: Dark influence
Definition: Drives plot through manipulation - Sherlock Holmes is like a magnifying glass
Meaning: Observes details
Definition: Detects hidden truths - Hester Prynne is like a rose
Meaning: Beauty in adversity
Definition: Symbol of resilience - Jay Gatsby’s dream is like a lighthouse
Meaning: Guides but unreachable
Definition: Aspirations motivate but remain distant - Pip in Great Expectations is like clay
Meaning: Shaped by experiences
Definition: Character develops through events
Extended metaphor vs metaphor
- Love is like a treasure chest.
Meaning: It feels full of valuable emotions that you discover over time.
Definition: Love holds deep feelings that become more meaningful as you open your heart. - Love is like a warm cup of tea.
Meaning: It gives comfort when life feels stressful or cold.
Definition: Love brings calm feelings that soothe your heart in hard moments. - Love is like a compass.
Meaning: It helps you find direction in emotional confusion.
Definition: Love guides your choices and keeps you focused on what truly matters. - Love is like a strong bridge.
Meaning: It connects two hearts across distance or differences.
Definition: Love builds emotional connection that supports trust and understanding. - Love is like a candle in the dark.
Meaning: It gives hope when life feels uncertain.
Definition: Love creates light that helps you move forward during emotional struggles. - Love is like a blooming garden.
Meaning: It grows beautifully when you care for it daily.
Definition: Love develops through attention, patience, and emotional effort. - Love is like a deep ocean.
Meaning: It holds powerful emotions that feel endless.
Definition: Love carries strong feelings that go beyond surface understanding. - Love is like a complex puzzle.
Meaning: It takes time to understand how everything fits together.
Definition: Love requires patience and effort to understand emotions and relationships. - Love is like a sunrise after night.
Meaning: It brings hope after sadness or pain.
Definition: Love renews emotional strength and starts new beginnings in life. - Love is like a steady anchor.
Meaning: It keeps you stable during emotional storms.
Definition: Love provides security and prevents you from feeling lost in difficult times.
Main Extended Metaphors Collection
- Time is a river
Meaning: Life moves forward steadily
Definition: Comparing life to flowing water
Example: Time is a river that carries us from childhood to old age. - The classroom was a zoo
Meaning: It was very noisy
Definition: Comparing the room to a zoo
Example: On Monday morning, the classroom was a zoo with all the kids shouting. - Her smile was sunshine
Meaning: Bright and cheerful
Definition: Comparing a smile to sunlight
Example: Her smile was sunshine on a gloomy day. - Ideas are seeds
Meaning: They grow with care
Definition: Comparing ideas to plants
Example: Your ideas are seeds; nurture them to see them grow. - The city is a jungle
Meaning: It’s wild and crowded
Definition: Comparing the city to a jungle
Example: The city is a jungle where only the brave survive. - Life is a book
Meaning: Full of stories and lessons
Definition: Comparing life to a book
Example: Life is a book, and every chapter teaches something new. - Her voice was music
Meaning: Pleasant to hear
Definition: Comparing sound to music
Example: Her voice was music that calmed everyone in the room. - The night was a blanket
Meaning: Dark and comforting
Definition: Comparing night to a blanket
Example: The night was a blanket covering the sleepy town. - Dreams are stars
Meaning: Guide and inspire
Definition: Comparing dreams to stars
Example: Dreams are stars that lead us through life’s darkness. - He’s a rock
Meaning: Reliable and strong
Definition: Comparing a person to rock
Example: During tough times, he’s a rock for his friends. - Thoughts are clouds
Meaning: Change constantly
Definition: Comparing thoughts to clouds
Example: My thoughts are clouds drifting in my mind. - The mind is a library
Meaning: Full of knowledge
Definition: Comparing the mind to a library
Example: Her mind is a library with endless stories. - Life is a journey
Meaning: Full of experiences
Definition: Comparing life to a journey
Example: Life is a journey with unexpected turns and surprises. - Hope is a candle
Meaning: Brings light in darkness
Definition: Comparing hope to a candle
Example: Hope is a candle that glows in the darkest nights. - Friendship is a bridge
Meaning: Connects people
Definition: Comparing friendship to a bridge
Example: Friendship is a bridge that brings hearts together. - The storm was a beast
Meaning: Powerful and dangerous
Definition: Comparing a storm to an animal
Example: The storm was a beast tearing through the coastline. - Memory is a treasure chest
Meaning: Stores precious things
Definition: Comparing memory to a chest
Example: Memory is a treasure chest holding moments of joy. - Anger is fire
Meaning: Can burn or hurt
Definition: Comparing anger to fire
Example: Anger is fire that needs control or it burns everything. - Laughter is medicine
Meaning: Makes people feel better
Definition: Comparing laughter to medicine
Example: Laughter is medicine for a stressful day. - Eyes are windows
Meaning: Show feelings
Definition: Comparing eyes to windows
Example: Her eyes are windows revealing her happiness. - Imagination is wings
Meaning: Helps you explore
Definition: Comparing imagination to wings
Example: Imagination is wings that let us fly beyond reality. - Love is a garden
Meaning: Needs care to grow
Definition: Comparing love to a garden
Example: Love is a garden that blooms with attention and care. - Fear is a shadow
Meaning: Follows you
Definition: Comparing fear to a shadow
Example: Fear is a shadow that disappears in courage’s light. - The internet is a web
Meaning: Connects everything
Definition: Comparing internet to a web
Example: The internet is a web linking people worldwide. - Life is a puzzle
Meaning: Full of challenges
Definition: Comparing life to a puzzle
Example: Life is a puzzle, and every piece matters. - Music is a river
Meaning: Flows smoothly
Definition: Comparing music to water
Example: Music is a river that carries my emotions. - The wind is a messenger
Meaning: Brings news or feelings
Definition: Comparing wind to a messenger
Example: The wind is a messenger whispering secrets through trees. - Her mind is a maze
Meaning: Complex and puzzling
Definition: Comparing mind to a maze
Example: Her mind is a maze full of creative ideas. - Time is a thief
Meaning: Takes things away
Definition: Comparing time to a thief
Example: Time is a thief stealing moments we cherish. - The stars are diamonds
Meaning: Shiny and beautiful
Definition: Comparing stars to jewels
Example: The stars are diamonds sparkling in the night sky. - Happiness is a butterfly
Meaning: Hard to catch
Definition: Comparing happiness to a butterfly
Example: Happiness is a butterfly that lands softly when least expected. - The rain is a curtain
Meaning: Hides things from view
Definition: Comparing rain to a curtain
Example: The rain is a curtain hiding the mountain peaks. - The mind is a sponge
Meaning: Absorbs knowledge easily
Definition: Comparing mind to sponge
Example: Her mind is a sponge soaking up every lesson. - Truth is light
Meaning: Shows the way
Definition: Comparing truth to light
Example: Truth is light shining through lies. - Life is a stage
Meaning: Everyone plays a role
Definition: Comparing life to a stage
Example: Life is a stage, and we are all actors. - Knowledge is a key
Meaning: Opens doors to success
Definition: Comparing knowledge to a key
Example: Knowledge is a key unlocking opportunities. - Pain is a teacher
Meaning: Teaches lessons
Definition: Comparing pain to teacher
Example: Pain is a teacher guiding us to wisdom. - Her heart is a vault
Meaning: Hard to open
Definition: Comparing heart to a vault
Example: Her heart is a vault keeping secrets safe. - Time is sand
Meaning: Slips away quickly
Definition: Comparing time to sand
Example: Time is sand slipping through our fingers. - Hope is a bridge
Meaning: Connects despair to joy
Definition: Comparing hope to a bridge
Example: Hope is a bridge over troubled waters. - The ocean is a mirror
Meaning: Reflects everything
Definition: Comparing ocean to mirror
Example: The ocean is a mirror reflecting the sky. - Memories are photographs
Meaning: Capture moments
Definition: Comparing memories to photos
Example: Memories are photographs in our mind. - Life is a rollercoaster
Meaning: Has ups and downs
Definition: Comparing life to a ride
Example: Life is a rollercoaster full of thrills and drops. - Silence is a friend
Meaning: Offers peace
Definition: Comparing silence to a friend
Example: Silence is a friend when words fail. - Pain is ice
Meaning: Freezes feelings
Definition: Comparing pain to ice
Example: Pain is ice that slowly melts with time. - Fear is a cage
Meaning: Holds you back
Definition: Comparing fear to a cage
Example: Fear is a cage keeping dreams locked inside. - The night is a stage
Meaning: Full of possibilities
Definition: Comparing night to a stage
Example: The night is a stage for stars to perform. - Love is fire
Meaning: Warm and intense
Definition: Comparing love to fire
Example: Love is fire that warms the heart. - Life is a canvas
Meaning: Full of creativity
Definition: Comparing life to a canvas
Example: Life is a canvas, and we paint it with choices. - The mind is a garden
Meaning: Needs care to flourish
Definition: Comparing mind to a garden
Example: The mind is a garden; thoughts are its plants. - Dreams are clouds
Meaning: Light and floating
Definition: Comparing dreams to clouds
Example: Dreams are clouds drifting in our imagination. - Time is a teacher
Meaning: Teaches lessons over life
Definition: Comparing time to teacher
Example: Time is a teacher that never stops giving lessons. - Words are weapons
Meaning: Can hurt or protect
Definition: Comparing words to weapons
Example: Words are weapons; use them wisely. - Friendship is a mirror
Meaning: Reflects who we are
Definition: Comparing friendship to mirror
Example: Friendship is a mirror showing our true self. - The wind is a painter
Meaning: Changes the scenery
Definition: Comparing wind to painter
Example: The wind is a painter, sculpting sand dunes. - Hope is a flame
Meaning: Never dies
Definition: Comparing hope to flame
Example: Hope is a flame that burns even in darkness. - The world is a stage
Meaning: Everyone has a role
Definition: Comparing the world to a stage
Example: The world is a stage, and we are its actors.
Practice Corner
- The night sky was like a ______ of sparkling jewels.
- Her laughter was ______ that healed the heart.
- Life is a ______ full of surprises.
- The storm roared like a ______ in the night.
- His eyes were ______ showing deep emotion.
- Friendship is a ______ that joins hearts.
- Time slips through our hands like ______.
- The classroom felt like a ______ with all the noise.
- Her mind is a ______ filled with ideas.
- Anger is a ______ that must be controlled.
- Dreams float like ______ in the mind.
- Love grows like a ______ with care.
- Silence is a ______ comforting the soul.
- Pain melts slowly like ______ in sunlight.
- Knowledge is a ______ opening doors.
- Hope shines like a ______ in darkness.
- Her heart is a ______ guarding secrets.
- Music flows like a ______ calming the spirit.
- The wind whispered like a ______ in the trees.
- Life is a ______ with ups and downs.
FAQs About Metaphors and Extended Metaphors
What is an example of an extended metaphor?
An extended metaphor is when a comparison is developed over several lines or even throughout a whole piece of writing. For example, “life is a journey” can be extended by describing roads as challenges, crossroads as decisions, and destinations as goals, making the comparison detailed and continuous instead of brief.
What are 5 examples of metaphors?
Common metaphor examples include “time is money,” “the world is a stage,” “he has a heart of stone,” “life is a journey,” and “she has a voice of an angel.” These expressions compare two unlike things directly to create strong imagery and deeper meaning without using “like” or “as.”
What is an example of a conceit extended metaphor?
A conceit is a special type of extended metaphor that is highly detailed and often surprising or complex. For example, in poetry, love may be compared to a compass guiding a lost traveler through storms, where each emotional change is explained through navigation terms, showing deep intellectual comparison.
What do extended metaphors mean?
Extended metaphors are literary devices where a comparison between two things is continued over multiple sentences or paragraphs. Instead of a short phrase, the writer builds the comparison step by step, adding more detail and meaning. This helps readers understand ideas more deeply through a sustained imaginative connection.
What is an extended metaphor in literature?
An extended metaphor in literature is a metaphor that continues throughout multiple sentences, paragraphs, or even an entire work. Instead of comparing two things briefly, it develops the comparison in greater detail to create deeper meaning, stronger imagery, and emotional impact for readers.
Conclusion
Extended metaphors make writing more colorful and help readers see ideas in new ways. They transform simple sentences into vivid images that stick in memory. By practicing these comparisons, anyone can make stories, essays, or even daily conversations more lively. Start spotting metaphors around you and try crafting your own—your words will shine brighter!
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Lily Anderson
Lily Anderson is a wordsmith who finds magic in the simplest of expressions. Ever since she could hold a pen, she’s been fascinated by how similes and metaphors can transform ordinary moments into something extraordinary. Writing for her is like painting with words, each sentence carefully crafted to make readers see the world through a new lens. When she’s not buried in her notebooks, Lily enjoys wandering through city streets, observing life’s tiny wonders, and collecting inspiration from everyday experiences. She believes that the right metaphor can make the heart feel a little lighter and the mind a little brighter. Lily hopes her work sparks imagination and helps readers connect more deeply with language.
Books:
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Metaphors in Motion
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Similes That Speak