figure of speech
noun/ˌfɪɡər əv ˈspiːtʃ/
/ˌfɪɡjər əv ˈspiːtʃ/
(plural figures of speech)
- a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental picture or effect
- When we talk about ‘selfish’ genes it is just a figure of speech.
- When we say we're ‘dead tired’, it's just a figure of speech.
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figure of speech