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What is a simile?

A simile is a comparison where one thing is described as something else, using like or as.

Examples of similes

• 'He looked as inconspicuous as a tarantula on a cake.' This really means he looked obvious and noticeable, he stood out, could not be missed.
• 'She was like a snowflake.' This implies she was light, delicate, pure, insubstantial, fragile.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else.

While a simile compares things using like or as, a metaphor creates a direct comparison by saying something is something else. It's not actually true but it gives the reader a clearer idea of what it is like.

Examples of metaphor

• His house was now his prison. The idea here is someone feels their house is a place where they feel trapped, imprisoned or locked in; a place where they lack freedom.
• James was a missile, launching himself at his opponent. This makes James sound like a weapon, moving quickly and powerfully and ready to cause damage.

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile makes an indirect comparison using the words 'like' or 'as.'

A metaphor makes the comparison directly, substituting one thing for another.

For example:

• My sister roared like a lion. This is a simile as the speaker uses 'like' to indirectly compare their sister to a lion. It suggests that the way their sister shouted was as loud and aggressive as a lion's roar.
• My sister is a wild lion. This is a metaphor as the speaker is making a direct comparison. They are suggesting that their sister is a lion, rather than like one. It suggests how wild and uncontrollable her behaviour is.