Understanding idioms vs metaphors: What’s the difference and how should you use them?

Are you puzzled by the difference between idioms and metaphors?

Both of these literary devices are ways to express an idea figuratively rather than literally, but they have distinct characteristics.

The main difference is that an idiom is a phrase with a non-literal meaning whereas a metaphor is a way of comparing two things that would not usually be considered alike.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about idioms vs metaphors, including how to identify them and when to use them yourself.

Key differences between idioms and metaphors

This table shows a quick summary of the differences between idioms and metaphors, but keep reading for more detail and plenty of examples.

Both idioms and metaphors can make your vocabulary more colorful and expressive, and native speakers use these phrases every day.

However, it’s important to understand how to use them appropriately. Excessive use can make you sound unnatural and even lead to miscommunication, especially among non-native speakers who may be unfamiliar with figurative expressions.

What is an idiom?

Idioms are phrases with non-literal meanings. In other words, the meaning of the expression cannot be deduced from the individual components.

This figurative language is widely understood by native English speakers and used in everyday conversation.

A classic example of an idiom is ‘a piece of cake’, which has nothing to do with food but is used to describe something that is very easy to do.

Another example is ‘tighten your belt’, which means to live more frugally.

Idioms are generally fixed phrases that can only be used in a specific way. For instance, ‘a slice of cake’ does not have the same meaning as ‘a piece of cake’.

Idioms present a challenge for English learners because they can be difficult to identify and there is no way to guess the meaning of the saying if you don’t already know it.

We have a full guide to idioms that covers different types and how to use them appropriately.

Examples of common idioms

Here are some examples of common idioms that perfectly illustrate how you cannot guess the meaning of the idiom from the meaning of the individual words.

As you can see, idioms can function as verbs, adverbs, adjectives, nouns, and more complex phrases.

You can explore hundreds more idioms by browsing these articles:

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech that draws a direct or implied comparison between two things that are not alike but share some commonalities.

At first glance, a metaphor simply states a comparison. But on a deeper level, it encourages us to perceive and understand one concept in the light of another.

Metaphors are not inherently idiomatic but can sometimes be, especially when they serve as implied metaphors. They are not intended to be taken literally, but instead, to provoke the reader to consider the similarities between the two things in question.

Metaphors are descriptive in nature. Whether you use them to compare people, objects, actions, or concepts, you are essentially describing one thing by comparing it to another. This quality makes them a powerful tool in literature, bringing texts to life and engaging readers’ imagination.

Direct vs implied metaphors

There are two main types of metaphor.

The first is a direct metaphor, which draws a direct comparison between two things, usually with the word ‘is’: X is Y. Don’t confuse these with similes, which use ‘like’ or ‘as’ to compare things (more on similes below).

An example of a direct metaphor is ‘life is a journey’. The stated meaning is quite clear, once you think about it.

Secondly, an implied metaphor compares two things without directly mentioning one of them. It only mentions a certain characteristic of the second thing, so you are left to consider the intended meaning and draw your own conclusions.

An example of an implied metaphor is ‘ride the wave of success’. This likens a period of success to a surfer catching a wave. The implied meaning is that you have to take an opportunity at the right moment and stay on top of it as long as you can – but it will come to an end eventually.

For more ways to introduce comparisons, make sure you know some compare and contrast transition words.

Examples of common metaphors

Here are some metaphors commonly used in English to make a point or express an idea.

It’s worth noting that while idioms are formulaic language, metaphors are much more flexible. You can create your own metaphors simply by noting similarities between two words, ideas, or things. Because of this, there is no end to the number of potential metaphors that exist in the English language.

Metaphors vs similes

Although we’re focusing on idioms vs metaphors here, it also makes sense to quickly cover metaphors and similes.

A simile is another kind of linguistic device that makes a direct comparison between two things, just like a direct metaphor. The difference is that a simile uses the words ‘like’ or ‘as’ to express similarities, whereas a direct metaphor uses the verb ‘be’.

For example:

SIMILE: Your eyes are as blue as the sea.
SIMILE: She had eyes like oceans.
METAPHOR (DIRECT): Her eyes were deep oceans.
METAPHOR (INDIRECT): I found myself drowning in the depths of her eyes.

When to use idioms vs metaphors

Idioms commonly occur in everyday conversation, and many native English speakers use them without even realizing they are using a figure of speech.

In formal communications, idioms are generally avoided to maintain precision and avoid miscommunication. For instance, using an idiom in a business report might confuse non-native speakers or those unfamiliar with the term. However, certain idioms and euphemisms are appropriate in formal situations as they are more polite than using direct language.

Some common metaphors are also used in everyday language, but they are more often reserved for literature, especially poetry. Here, writers have more poetic license and readers are more prepared for flowery, figurative language – in fact, they may expect it!

Before using an idiom or metaphor, you should consider whether the context is appropriate and whether your listener or reader will be able to grasp your meaning.

Potential pitfalls of using metaphors and idioms

While idioms and metaphors enrich our language, they can also pose challenges, especially for non-native speakers. The non-literal meaning of idioms and the indirect comparison in metaphors can be hard to decipher for those unfamiliar with the language.

Even identifying an idiom can be tricky for non-native speakers, as these phrases have no fixed format.

In contrast, a direct metaphor is often easier to understand as it follows a simple format, and the meaning of implied metaphors can usually be deduced with some consideration. The same is true of hyperbole, another type of literary device.

To aid with smooth communication, avoid using idioms and metaphors when communicating with non-native speakers, unless you are certain that the meaning will be understood.

Summary

We hope this article has helped you understand the difference between idioms and metaphors, how to recognize them, and how to use them yourself.

If you’re into creative writing, why not have some fun crafting your own metaphors? Just remember, figurative expressions should only be used in contexts where your audience will be able to understand and appreciate them.

Next, make sure you know about the difference between idioms and proverbs – another type of expression that doesn’t always make sense!

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