figure of speech
nounUK /ˌfɪɡ.ər əv ˈspiːtʃ/
US /ˌfɪɡ.jɚ əv ˈspiːtʃ/
A figure of speech is a way of saying something that is not literally true to make it more interesting.
Saying "it's raining cats and dogs" is a figure of speech that means it is raining very hard.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A word or phrase used in a non-literal way for effect.
Calling someone a "rock" is a figure of speech for being strong.
3. A colorful way of expressing an idea in writing or speaking.
Poets often use figures of speech to paint pictures with words.
4. An idiom whose meaning cannot be understood from the individual words.
"Break a leg" is a figure of speech that means good luck.