Definitions 1
An implicit or implied comparison between two things that are unrelated but share some common characteristics
What is a metaphor ?
A direct comparison, showing similarities between two different things. This device draws resemblance with the help of the words “like” or “as”.
What is a simile ?
"Bright smoke, cold fire." Shakespeare
Oxymoron
“the throne”
Metonymy
"It's not my cup of tea"
C'est pas mon truc / ce n'est pas à mon goût
A direct juxtaposition of contradictory terms
What is an oxymoron ?
An exaggerated emphasis to achieve a certain effect
What is a hyperbole ?
“All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others…”
Animal Farm, George ORWELL
Paradox
“He passed away”
Euphemism
A storm in a teacup
Une tempête dans un verre d'eau
It replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated
What is a metonymy ?
Giving human(-like) qualities, features or abilities to animals, inanimate objects or abstract ideas
What is a personification ?
“All the world’s a stage / And the men and women merely players”
As You Like It, William SHAKESPEARE
Metaphor
“I wouldn’t eat insects for a million pounds or dollars!”
Hyperbole
Bob's your uncle !
Et voilà, le tour est joué !
Two clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures
What is a chiasmus ?
The deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence (or clause) in order to achieve an artistic effect
What is an anaphora ?
“I would have given anything for the power to soothe her frail soul, tormenting itself in its ignorance like a small bird beating about the cruel wires of a cage.” Lord Jim, Joseph CONRAD
Simile
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”
A Tale of Two Cities, Charles DICKENS
Anaphora
To spill the beans
Révéler un secret
A statement which appears to be self-contradictory but may include a latent truth. It is also used to illustrate an opinion that is contrary to accepted or traditional ideas.
What is a paradox ?
A somewhat ironical understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary
What is a litote ?
“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?”
Assonance
“Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” Macbeth
Alliteration
Speak of the devil
En parlant du loup