figure of speechnoun [ C ]
uk/ˌfɪɡ.ər əv ˈspiːtʃ/us/ˌfɪɡ.jʊr əv ˈspiːtʃ/plural figures of speechan expression that uses words to mean something different from their ordinary meaning:
"Break a leg" is a figure of speech, meaning "good luck".
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Figurative use of language
- a metaphor for sth idiom
- allegory
- anthropomorphism
- as
- as it were idiom
- fig
- figurative
- figuratively
- idiom
- imagery
- ironic
- irony
- metaphor
- metaphorical
- metonymy
- mix
- mixed metaphor
- pathetic fallacy
- speak
- symbol
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Linguistics: sentences & expressions