Implicit metaphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor > Implicit metaphor

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

In an implicit metaphor, the full subject is not explained, but is implied from the context of the sentence.

Example

Roasting today!

She had the screaming.

We were drinking the white.

Discussion

When a subject is sufficiently well-known, then we do not have to explain it in detail. Most of our communications are like this, with much being left out but the intended meaning still being communicated.

Whilst metaphors are one stage removed from concrete description, if the metaphor is sufficiently well-known then a contraction may applied here too, leaving the reader to fill in the missing detail. When the metaphor is less well understood, then implicit metaphors may still be found within colloquial contexts.