What is a metaphor, simile and idiom? Information for learners

Similes and metaphors

If we compare two or more things to one another we can use one of the following ways - She is as pretty as a flower OR She is my flower.

Do you see the difference?  Yes the one comparison has the word 'as' in it and the other one does not.

A simile is a comparison where you use the words 'as' or 'like and in a metaphor you compare things without using 'as' or 'like'.

source

• Say if the following are similes or metaphors, what is compared to one another and why do you say it is a simile or metaphor

1. I feel like an used dishcloth.
2. Those two boys are like two peas in a pod.
3. The light in the room is the sun during writing our story.
4. Nobody invites John to their parties, because he is a wet blanket.
5. The soap is as slippery as an eel and fell out of my hands.

• Use the following words and try and make a simile and a metaphor with each -  heart,  chocolate, child, happiness
• What is the meaning of

1. 'They are like two peas in a pod'
2. 'He is a wet blanket'

Idioms and proverbs

We looked at these before - if you cannot remember what they are, watch the video to refresh your memory.

source

• Use the words below to fill in the blanks and complete the proverb or the idioms.  You must also be sure you know the meaning of each of them (if you cannot remember it, look it up on the internet ) -  for example - He is a WET blanket - he spoils the parties and are boring
• Use these words to complete the sentences - leap, feather, cake, worm, play, basket

1. All work and no ____ makes Jack a dull boy.
2. Birds of a ____ flock together.
3. Don't put all your eggs in one ____.
4. The early bird catches the _____.
5. Look before you _____.
6. You cannot have the ___ and eat it too.

• Do you know all the meanings of these?  Now have a look at some extra idioms and proverbs and see how many you know or can remember.

 

source

• For fun you can either write down a few idioms and proverbs that you know OR you can think out new ones - ones you make up .... who knows, maybe it will catch on and people will start using it in their daily language.
• Draw a picture of at least five idioms or proverb and write the meaning of each.