Similes and Metaphors

We've all seen similes and metaphors in writing. Similes are comparisons that use "like" or "as", such as:

• He ran as fast as a diving hawk.
• Her skin was as smooth as satin.
• Her eyes shone like the sea.

A metaphor is a comparison that does not use "like" or "as", such as "David's a mouse."

It is unlikely that David actually is a mouse, but what the person is saying is probably that he is small, timid, and shy, and maybe likes to hoard things.

These guys can really spice up your writing, but there are three rules to keep in mind.

1. Steer clear of the cliché.

2. At the same time, no similes or metaphors that are too long or so obscure that the reader won't understand them.

3. Make sure the reader can accurately tell what you mean from the simile or metaphor.

Now, we'll look at these rules in greater detail.

1. Steer clear of the cliché.

Quick as lightning. Dumb as a rock. Stands like a statue.

While these are certainly easy to understand, they get cliché after a while. You can use these if you want, but try to think of something unique, like these ones below.

Silent as an owl swooping upon its prey. As covered in lines as a topographic map. As slow as a dial-up connection.

2. At the same time, no similes or metaphors that are too long or so obscure that the reader won't understand them.

The alien began to bulge and expand like a salty cell in water.

I understand that perfectly, but then again, I've taken College Biology and know what osmosis is. It's not cliche, but then again, most people wouldn't know what it means. So don't use it.

If you're not sure if people will be able to understand it, try asking your parents or your friends if they understand it. If your science or history teacher says yes, and no one else does, then think of a new one.

3. Make sure the reader can accurately tell what you mean from the simile or metaphor.

This metaphor is a big pet peeve of mine. "A stone's throw/spear's throw/bowshot away."

That doesn't help me all. There are many variables that affect the distance that a stone, spear, or arrow can be launched, like wind, angle, technique, power, and in the case of the stone, weight.

Does "A three hundred gram stone's throw launched with fifty joules at a fifty-one degree angle and a slight top spin going with the ten mile per hour wind" sound any better? Heck no. So don't use that either.

Here's an example from good old Paolini.

“Up close a Kull was as tall as a small giant,” - (p.373, Eragon)

We do not know how tall a Kull is. Nor how tall a "small giant" is. The simile is worthless.