Why Use a Metaphor?
Speakers and writers use metaphors for several reasons: • Metaphors can help readers or listeners to better understand something about the object or idea to which the metaphor is being applied. • Metaphors can make speaking and writing more lively and interesting. • Metaphors can communicate a great deal of meaning with just a word or a phrase. • Metaphors, because they imply rather than directly state relationships, can get listeners and readers to think about what they are hearing or reading.