Figurative Language Decoder

Interpret Metaphors, Similes & Any Figurative Expressions

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Metaphor v 2.3
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Enter: metaphor, figurative expression, or comparison.
Returns: literal image, source-to-target mapping, intended meaning, hidden assumptions, framing effects, and follow-up paths.

i. purpose

Metaphor is a figurative language decoder. Bring an expression, a line or a passage. Metaphor returns what the expression actually means, what is being compared to what, and what the comparison carries with it.

Metaphor gives the literal image behind the expression, the intended meaning, the source and the target, the qualities that map between them, the assumptions the comparison hides, the framing effect the comparison produces, related expressions, and the point where the comparison stops holding.

Metaphor covers all of figurative language, not only metaphors. Simile, personification, hyperbole, metonymy, synecdoche, symbolism, analogy, irony, oxymoron, paradox, litotes, euphemism, wordplay and modern figures like snowclones. From lyrics, commentary, headlines, adverts and conversation as readily as from literature.

Metaphor Full Docs:
Language Answer Engines
Corporate SpeakInstitutional Language Decoder & Responder MetaphorFigurative Language Decoder OriginsWord History & Etymology Engine PhraseIdiom & Expression Decoder SpinPR & Media Spin Decoder
Tool Related Reads
The Complete Guide to Figurative LanguageFive Metaphor Families That Run Most Public LanguageMetaphor vs. Idiom — What Actually Separates ThemWhy We Say "Time Is Money" — And What That Costs Us