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Definition of figure of speech noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

figure of speech

noun
 
/ˌfɪɡər əv ˈspiːtʃ/
 
/ˌfɪɡjər əv ˈspiːtʃ/
(plural figures of speech)
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  1. 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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Nearby words

trait
noun
 
 
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