If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or confused when someone talks about metaphors, fear not! I’ve been in your shoes.
As a schoolboy, I often found myself grappling with the concept of metaphors. While trying to decipher their meanings in literary texts, the idea of crafting my own metaphors seemed like a daunting task. Like many others, I struggled to understand how to make meaningful comparisons that would bring life to my writing.
I’ll be sharing a simple yet effective approach to finding and creating your very own metaphors, turning those abstract ideas into vibrant and evocative comparisons. At the end, I will provide the secret to apply metaphors more frequently. So, let’s dive right in and unlock the world of metaphors together!
The metaphor crafting table
Metaphors can be a door to an unknown land. They open up new ways of thinking.
I’ve created this handy metaphor crafting table. There are six categories. Each category comes with a rule that you should follow. To get a general understanding there are two examples.
| Tip | Rule | Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Look for connections | Consider qualities/characteristics of the subject and find similarities in other objects, people, or concepts. | She is a rubber band, always bouncing back from adversity. | His life is like a speeding train, always rushing forward. |
| 2. Use your senses | Relate the subject to your senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) for unique and vivid comparisons. | Her voice was like velvet, soothing and comforting. | The city was a symphony, with each neighborhood playing its own unique tune. |
| 3. Explore idioms and proverbs | Look up idioms and proverbs related to the theme or subject and use them to inspire a metaphor. | He found himself between a rock and a hard place, unable to choose between his career and his family. | As a new employee, she was still green behind the ears, learning the ropes of the job. |
| 4. Tap into emotions | Think about the emotions evoked by the subject and find other things that elicit the same emotions for an emotional connection. | Her absence was like an empty chair, a constant reminder of the love that was missing. | Reaching his goal felt like standing on the summit, breathing in the crisp air of accomplishment. |
| 5. Get inspired by nature | Relate the subject to natural phenomena found in nature, such as life cycles, seasons, and natural events. | His personal growth was like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, emerging stronger and more beautiful than before. | Her beauty was like cherry blossoms, delicate and ephemeral. |
| 6. Observe the world around you | Pay attention to the environment, people, and situations around you for inspiration from everyday life. | The office was like a busy marketplace, with people shouting and scurrying in all directions. | He was like a Swiss Army knife, always having the right tool for any situation. |
The secret to applying metaphors
Everybody knows that practice makes permanent. That’s the secret. Use them. And what better place than using them at work.
Here is your Mission, should you choose to accept it.
Read through the tables. Pick one category per week. Try to apply metaphors when those situations arise.
Challenges or Difficult Situations:
| Metaphor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Navigating a minefield | Facing a difficult or sensitive situation |
| Swimming with sharks | Dealing with ruthless or cunning colleagues |
| Hitting a glass ceiling | Facing barriers to career progression |
| Walking on eggshells | Being cautious to avoid offending others |
| Stepping on toes | Inadvertently offending or upsetting others |
Teamwork, Collaboration, and Management:
| Metaphor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The office is a beehive | Busy and bustling with activity |
| Climbing the corporate ladder | Advancing in one’s career |
| Running a tight ship | Managing a team or project efficiently |
| Herding cats | Managing a group with diverse personalities |
| Breaking down silos | Encouraging collaboration between departments |
| A well-oiled machine | A team or department working smoothly and efficiently |
| Leveling the playing field | Ensuring equal opportunities or fairness for all |
Motivation, Change, and Growth:
| Metaphor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Lighting a fire under someone | Motivating a coworker to take action |
| Planting the seeds of change | Initiating new ideas or strategies |
| Going the extra mile | Putting in extra effort or going above and beyond |
| Turning over a new leaf | Making positive changes or improvements |
| Planting the seeds of success | Laying the groundwork for future achievements |
| A breath of fresh air | A new employee or idea that brings positive change |
Problem-solving, Multitasking, and Prioritization:
| Metaphor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Spinning plates | Juggling multiple tasks or projects |
| Putting out fires | Addressing urgent problems or crises |
| Thinking outside the box | Coming up with creative solutions |
| Nipping a problem in the bud | Addressing an issue before it escalates |
| Wearing multiple hats | Handling various roles or responsibilities |
| Juggling priorities | Balancing multiple important tasks |
Communication, Relationships, and Conflicts:
| Metaphor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The rumor mill is churning | Gossip circulating in the workplace |
| Throwing someone under the bus | Blaming a coworker to protect oneself |
| Weathering the storm | Persevering through tough times |
| Clearing the air | Resolving misunderstandings or conflicts |
| Picking low-hanging fruit | Focusing on easy tasks or quick wins |
| The calm before the storm | A period of quiet before a busy or chaotic time |