Similes are like Smiles

I would like to talk about the difference between similes, metaphors, analogies, and idioms; however, I am the only one here, so I would be talking to myself; therefore, I have decided to write the differences in this blog instead to let you fine folks read about said differences.

First I want to point out that similes, idioms, and metaphors are most commonly found inside poetry and song lyrics, but the clever writer will also use them to express a point inside other forms of literature.

Let us start our pilgrimage through the hazy taiga we call idioms. An idiom is a phrase which has a different meaning from the meaning of its separate parts. For example, the phrase "it brought tears to my eyes" doesn't necessarily mean that I cried but could mean that I heard sad news. However, idioms may not always be as easily understood as that. In fact, sometimes they may require some thought to understand the meaning. Take the phrase "he was born with a silver spoon in his mouth." It infers that someone is born with an eating utensil; however, it implies that someone was born rich. Think about it; the phrase includes silver (a precious metal) and a spoon in the mouth (never goes hungry) - put those two together and you have someone who is wealthy.

We shall progress through our quest by risking the tribulations of badlands that are analogies. An analogy shows the relationship between one set of words and then compares that relationship to a different set of words. For instance, "man is to boy as woman is to girl" would be an analogy comparing the different genders. Analogies are often found on tests; unfortunately, they are not as easy as the aforementioned one. The key to finding the answer for an analogy would be to find the relationship between the first set of words. Here's an example of a test analogy (keep in mind that when analogies are asked on a test the question uses a single colon for is to and a double colon for as - man : boy :: woman : girl):

Foot : Man :: Wheel : _______

a) Unicycle
b) Motorcycle
c) Jet
d) Car

The answer is of course A - Unicycle. Why? you may ask. If we were to break down the first set of words we would find that foot is the bottom appendage of most people. Our first clue is that a man only has two or less feet; since a car and truck both have four wheels and not two, they cannot be the answer for which we are looking. Here's the really tough part, you have to really examine the first set of words to get this. They say foot is to man, not feet. That means they are only talking about one foot or according to the other set of words, one wheel.

Now you see how analogies can be tricky. Ah! But you will be tricked no more.

Now we'll continue our journey by going through the blinding tundra known as metaphors. A metaphor is a way to compare something by saying it is something else. For example, Mr. Lynch is nuts. I am not actually nuts (if I were, I'd be cashews I think), but the phrase is meant to point out that there is a disturbance in my logic that may be considered outside the norm. Be sure not to confuse metaphors with similes.

We will end our search for knowledge in the celestial city of similes. A simile is very similar to a metaphor with the key exception of the word like. You see metaphor says something is something where as similes say something is like something. Think of it like this - a simile is similar, a metaphor just is. Here are some examples of differences between the two:

Similes Metaphors
Bob's head is like a bowling ball. Bob's head is a bowling ball.
Tiffany is like a saint. Tiffany is a saint.
Macy is like a cupcake. Macy is a cupcake
His head is like a rock. His head is a rock.

Now that we have completed this perilous expedition, we are able to tell the difference in these comparisons, idioms, and analogies, and are now able to identify them when listening to your favorite song, reading your favorite prose, or listening to idle conversation.