Interpret figures of speech
Key notes:
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
- Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
- Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
Learn with an example
🔥What does the verbal irony in this text suggest?
“Sleeping through the cockerel’s crowing was no problem,” Nicholas joked with a yawn.
- Nicholas slept poorly.
- Nicholas finds cockerels amusing.
The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different.
Sleeping through the cockerel’s crowing was no problem ironically suggests that Nicholas slept poorly. Nicholas was tired, so the cockerel’s crowing was clearly a problem.
🔥What does the idiom in this text suggest?
Isabella has a lot on her plate: she is at university, has a full-time job as a waitress, and volunteers at the animal shelter.
- Isabella has no time to eat well.
- Isabella has many responsibilities.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally.
The idiom a lot on her plate suggests that Isabella has many responsibilities. If you have a lot on your plate, you are busy with many different obligations.
🔥What does the idiom in this text suggest?
If you don’t mind waking up at the crack of dawn (or if you even prefer it), consider a career as a baker, a teacher, or an investment banker.
- You have to wake up very early.
- You have to wake up at sunset.
The text uses an idiom, an expression that cannot be understood literally.
The idiom at the crack of dawn suggests that you have to wake up very early. Dawn is the beginning of the day, so the idiom means very early.
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