Republic of Iraq

Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research

Al Ma'moon University College
Department of Translation

Metaphor uses

Prepared By
Ali Talib Sabhan

Supervised By
Mrs . Hadeel Najeeb Mohammed

2017
 Acknowledgment

I'd like to thank my friend

Maysam who helped me a lot
.through this work
 Table of Content

subject
Page No.
Introduction.....................................................
........1
Historical
Linguistics.................................................2
Common Speech of
Metaphors................................3
Metaphor and the
Bible ...........................................5
Conclusion ......................................................
..........6
References ......................................................
..........7
1. Introduction

Metaphor is a figure of speech in which one

thing is compared to another by saying that
one is the other, as in He is a lion. Metaphor
is a figure of speech that implies comparison
between two unlike entities, as distinguished
from simile, an explicit comparison by the
words like or as. [emphases in the
original]. For example, we would consider the
word lion to be a metaphor in the sentence
Ali was a lion in the fight. We would
probably also say that the word is used
metaphorically in order to achieve some
artistic and rhetorical effect, since we speak
and write metaphorically to communicate
eloquently, to impress others with
beautiful, esthetically pleasing words, or to
express some deep emotion. Perhaps we
would also add that what makes the
metaphorical identification of Ali with a lion
possible is that Ali and lions have something
in common, namely, their bravery and
strength.

2. Historical Linguistics

In historical linguistics, a metaphor is defined

as a semantic change based on a similarity in
form or function between the original concept
named by a word and the target concept
.named by this word

For example
mouse: small, gray rodent small, gray,
.mouse-shaped computer device
 Some recent linguistic theories view
language as by its nature all metaphorical; or
.that language in essence is metaphorical

3. Common Speech of
Metaphors

Most of us think of a metaphor as a device

used in songs or poems only, and that it has
nothing to do with our everyday life. In fact,
all of us in our routine life speak, write and
think in metaphors. We cannot avoid them.
Metaphors are sometimes constructed
through our common language. They are
called conventional metaphors. Calling a
person a night owl or an early bird or
saying life is a journey are common
conventional metaphor examples commonly
heard and understood by most of us. Below
are some more conventional metaphors we
often hear in our daily life:
 3

Examples:

My brother was boiling mad. (This

implies he was too angry.)

The assignment was a breeze. (This

implies that the assignment was not
difficult.)

It is going to be clear skies from now on.

(This implies that clear skies are not a
threat and life is going to be without
hardships)

The skies of his future began to darken.

(Darkness is a threat; therefore, this
implies that the coming times are going
to be hard for him.)
 Her voice is music to his ears. (This
implies that her voice makes him feel
happy)

4. Metaphor and the Bible

the metaphor is one of the most common

literary devices, it can be found in almost any
text, and The Bible is no exception. Some of
the metaphors found in The Bible are alluded
to and referenced in many other texts, so it
pays to be familiar with them and understand
.what is being said

Examples:

The teaching of the wise is a fountain

.of life

In this example, teaching is compared to a

fountain, but not just any fountain. The
fountain of life is a common metaphor that
suggests a continuing source of sustenance
.and life
But now, O Lord, You are our Father, We
are the clay, and You our potter; And
.all of us are the work of Your hand

In this metaphor, God is compared to a potter

who molds clay. Gods followers are the clay
.and are subject to his design and influence

Jesus said "I am the Light of the

world; he who follows me will not walk in
the darkness, but will have the Light of
".life

Here is another metaphor that Jesus used to

talk about himself. He calls himself the light
of the world. In The Bible, light refers to
.salvation, and darkness refers to sinfulness

5. Conclusion

metaphor is one of the most common literary

devices it's not only used in songs or poems
but we use it through our daily life and it's
very important and we use it in order to
make comparisons between different things
.so it become easier to understand

References
 Stefano Arduini (2007). (ed.) Metaphors,
Roma, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura.
Lakoff, George (1980). Metaphors We
Live By. Chicago, IL: The University of
Chicago Press.
David Punter (2007). Metaphor, London,
Routledge.
Max Black (1979). More about Metaphor,
in A. Ortony (ed) Metaphor & Thought.
Max Black (1954). Metaphor, Proceedings
of the Aristotelian Society, 55, pp. 273
294.
Bible, Proverbs 13:14

Bible, Isaiah 64:8

Bible, John 8:12