This is just a very short exercise introducing the "metaphor". The "metaphor" is another way of painting a more colourful picture. Instead of using "simile" to liken something or somebody to something else, the "metaphor" takes the place of that something or somebody (leaving it up to the reader/listener to view the picture in his head).

Short example:

Metaphor: The floating sails of the horse-chestnut tree fluttered in the wind.
Simile: The horse-chestnut tree's leaves and branches floated in the wind like the sails of a ship.

If you like the "simile" points the reader/listener more directly to the picture but the "metaphor" allows the reader/listener to create his own picture.

Now look at the phrases below and decide if they are "metaphors" or "similes"

1. The rain sang a tune as it pitter-pattered onto the pavement.

   
   
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2. The mouse crept along the skirting board like a ghost.

   
   
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3. I slept like a log! (yes, yes...and I woke up in the fireplace!!)

   
   
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4. Mrs Barker buzzed as she bumbled around her kitchen looking for the honey!

   
   
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5. As he looked at his algebra homework, Billy's mind clicked and clunked, the gears and cogs turning slowly as he desperately looked for the answer.

   
   
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6. The music crashed around our ears like a thunderstorm on a hot summer's night.

   
   
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