Meaning & use
American metaphors
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Meanings
nounplural
Figurative expressions or images that are typical of American English or American culture.
Grammar: Always plural; use with 'the' or no article: 'American metaphors often involve sports.'
Patterns
- use American metaphors
- understand American metaphors
In business meetings, American metaphors like 'touch base' and 'ballpark figure' are common.
Learning American metaphors helps you understand US news and conversation.
The novel is full of American metaphors drawn from baseball and football.
nounplural
A set of metaphorical concepts studied in linguistics that are characteristic of the United States.
Grammar: Used in academic contexts; often preceded by 'the'.
Patterns
- study American metaphors
- analyze American metaphors
Her research focuses on American metaphors of success and failure.
The course examines American metaphors in political speeches.
Common combinations
- common American metaphors
- Common American metaphors include 'home run' and 'slam dunk'.
- use American metaphors
- Politicians often use American metaphors to connect with voters.
- American metaphors for success
- The book explores American metaphors for success, like 'making it to the top'.
- a collection of American metaphors
- The dictionary includes a collection of American metaphors.
Synonyms and how they differ
- American idioms
- Idioms are fixed expressions with non-literal meanings; metaphors are broader figurative comparisons.
- figurative language
- A general term; 'American metaphors' specifies metaphors from US English or culture.
Commonly confused: American metaphors or American idioms?
American metaphors vs American idioms
Idioms are set phrases like 'break a leg'; metaphors are imaginative comparisons like 'time is money'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'American metaphors' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The standard phrase is 'American metaphors' (plural). Option B uses the singular 'metaphor' incorrectly. Option C reverses the adjective and noun. Option D uses the singular with 'the', which is not the usual form for this general concept.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “American metaphors”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.