Compound metaphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor > Compound metaphor

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

A compound metaphor is one where there are multiple elements in the metaphor that are used to snag the listener. These elements may be enhancement words such as adverbs, adjectives, etc.

Each element in the compound metaphor may be used to signify an additional item of meaning.

Example

She danced, a wild and gothic fairy.

Thick, primal, blind fog descended before his eyes.

The car screeched in hated anguish, its flesh laid bare in the raucous collision.

Discussion

Compound metaphors are like a multiple punch, hitting the listener repeatedly with metaphoric elements.

Whereas the complex metaphor uses stacked layers to enhance the metaphor, the compound metaphor uses sequential words.

The compound metaphor is also known as a loose metaphor.