met·a·phor 
/ˈmɛtəˌfoɚ, Brit ˈmɛtəfə/ noun
plural met·a·phors /ˈmɛtəˌfoɚ, Brit ˈmɛtəfə/ noun 1 : a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to show or suggest that they are similar [count] ▪ “He was drowning in paperwork” is a metaphor in which having to deal with a lot of paperwork is being compared to drowning in an ocean of water. ▪ Her poems include many imaginative metaphors. [noncount] ▪ a poet admired for her use of metaphor — compare simile; see also mixed metaphor 2 [count] : an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else — often + for ▪ The author uses flight as a metaphor for freedom. ▪ The veil is a metaphor for [=symbol of] secrecy.
— met·a·phor·i·cal /ˌmɛtəˈforɪkəl/ adjective
▪ a metaphorical description of children as plants growing in a garden ▪ In this class, we'll be taking a metaphorical journey through Russian literature of the 19th century.
/ˌmɛtəˈforɪkəl/ adjective ▪ a metaphorical description of children as plants growing in a garden ▪ In this class, we'll be taking a metaphorical journey through Russian literature of the 19th century.
— met·a·phor·i·cal·ly /ˌmɛtəˈforɪkli/ adverb
▪ speaking metaphorically
/ˌmɛtəˈforɪkli/ adverb ▪ speaking metaphorically
