Figurative Language and Idioms

1. Figurative Language and Idioms

2. What is Figurative Language? • Figurative Language – • language that goes beyond the literal (actual) meaning of the words.

3. Types of Figurative Language • Imagery – helps paint a picture in your mind • We sat on a cool, green carpet of grass. • The moist and chocolaty scent floated to me. • Simile – comparison using like or as • She is as strong as a horse. • Metaphor – comparison between two unlikely things • Sara is a nightingale in the school choir.

4. Types of Figurative Language • Alliteration – repeated consonant sounds • Creamy and crunchy • Personification – gives human qualities to animals or objects • The low clouds bumped into the mountians • Onomatopoeia – use of words that mimic sounds • Buzz, swish, zigzag, zip

5. Types of Figurative Language • Hyperbole – exaggerated statement • My brother exploded when he saw the damage to his car. • Idiom – word combos that have a meaning different than the literal meaning • Rush hour traffic moves at a snail’s pace. • Sally was tongue tied when she said the poem.

6. What is an idiom? • Idiom – a combination of words that have a meaning different than the literal meaning of the words individually

7. Examples of Idioms • To sit on the fence Literal Meaning – one who is sitting on a fence Idiomatic Meaning – one who is not making a clear choice regarding a situation The politician sat on the fence and would not give his opinion about the tax issue.

8. Examples of Idioms 2) To hold one’s horses Literal Meaning – to hold another person’s horses Idiomatic Meaning – to stop and wait patiently for someone or something “Hold your horses,” I said when my friend started to leave the store without me.

9. Examples of Idioms 3) To put your foot in your mouth Literal Meaning – to put your foot into your mouth Idiomatic Meaning – to say something embarrassing incorrect I put my foot in my mouth when I yelled “stranger danger” as my mom grabbed my arm.