Interpret figures of speech
Key notes :
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
Learn with an example
🤜 What does the idiom in this text suggest?
If you don’t mind waking up at the crack of dawn (or if you even prefer it), consider a career as a baker, a teacher, or an investment banker.
- You have to wake up very early.
- You have to wake up at sunset.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally.
The idiom at the crack of dawn suggests that you have to wake up very early. Dawn is the beginning of the day, so the idiom means very early.
🤜 What does the euphemism in this text suggest?
Philip is big-boned, so despite being in middle school, he often shops in the men’s department.
- Philip is overweight.
- Philip is tall for his age.
The text uses a euphemism, a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasise an unpleasant topic.
The euphemism big-boned suggests that Philip is overweight.
🤜 What does the hyperbole in this text suggest?
Last August, you could fry an egg on the pavement in Kolkata.
- Kolkata was extremely hot last August.
- Kolkata can be a good place for frying eggs.
The text uses hyperbole, an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
The hyperbole you could fry an egg on the pavement suggests that Kolkata was extremely hot last August. You could not literally fry an egg on the pavement.
let’s practice!
