nonliteral language
nounUK /nɒnˈlɪtərəl ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
US /nɑːnˈlɪtərəl ˈlæŋɡwɪdʒ/
Words that mean something different from what they say on the surface.
When she said it was raining cats and dogs, she was using nonliteral language.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Language that uses exaggeration to make a point.
I've told you a million times is an example of nonliteral language.
3. Language where words stand for ideas rather than real objects.
The classroom was a zoo uses nonliteral language to describe chaos.
4. Language that compares two things without using like or as.
Her smile was sunshine is a piece of nonliteral language.