Metaphor Worksheets

Fun worksheets and activities to master metaphors and figurative language

What Are Metaphors?

Metaphors are figures of speech that directly compare two unlike things without using "like" or "as." They create vivid imagery and help us understand complex ideas through familiar comparisons. From "life is a journey" to "time is money," metaphors make language more colorful and engaging.

Types of Metaphors

Common Metaphors

Life is a journey

Life has ups and downs like a trip

Time is money

Time is valuable like money

Love is a rose

Love is beautiful but has thorns

Knowledge is power

Knowledge gives you strength

Nature Metaphors

She is a ray of sunshine

She brings happiness and warmth

He is a rock

He is strong and dependable

The world is a stage

Life is like a performance

Her voice is music

Her voice is beautiful and pleasant

Animal Metaphors

He is a lion

He is brave and strong

She is a fox

She is clever and cunning

He is a snake

He is sneaky and untrustworthy

She is a butterfly

She is graceful and beautiful

Metaphor Examples in Context

Life is a roller coaster with ups and downs.

Her smile is sunshine that brightens my day.

The classroom is a zoo during recess.

His words are arrows that pierce my heart.

Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Metaphors

Which sentences contain metaphors?

A) Life is a journey. B) Life is like a journey. C) Life has ups and downs.

Show Answer

Answer: A) Life is a journey.

A) She is as brave as a lion. B) She is a lion. C) She is brave.

Show Answer

Answer: B) She is a lion.

A) Time flies. B) Time goes quickly. C) Time passes fast.

Show Answer

Answer: A) Time flies.

Interactive Quiz 2: Complete the Metaphor

Complete these metaphors:

Life is a _____

Show Answer

Answer: journey, roller coaster, book, game

Love is a _____

Show Answer

Answer: rose, fire, garden, battlefield

Knowledge is _____

Show Answer

Answer: power, light, treasure, weapon

Interactive Quiz 3: Create Metaphors

Create metaphors for these concepts:

Create a metaphor for friendship

Show Answer

Answer: Friendship is a garden that needs care.

Create a metaphor for learning

Show Answer

Answer: Learning is a journey of discovery.

Create a metaphor for success

Show Answer

Answer: Success is a mountain to climb.

Interactive Quiz 4: Metaphor Meanings

What do these metaphors mean?

"She is a ray of sunshine"

Show Answer

Answer: She brings happiness and warmth to others

"He is a rock"

Show Answer

Answer: He is strong, dependable, and steady

"The world is a stage"

Show Answer

Answer: Life is like a performance where people play different roles

Tips for Using Metaphors

1

Choose Familiar Comparisons

Use metaphors that your audience will easily understand.

2

Be Creative

Create original metaphors rather than using clichés.

3

Consider Context

Make sure your metaphor fits the tone and purpose of your writing.

Quick Reference

Metaphor Types:3 main categories
Common Metaphors:50+ examples
Difficulty:Intermediate

Pro Tip

Metaphors make your writing more vivid and engaging - practice creating original comparisons to enhance your language!