Prepositions and metaphor

Techniques > Use of language > Metaphor > Prepositions and metaphor

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Preposition metaphors can be used to extend a normal noun or noun metaphor by adding further elaboration via the connection provided by the preposition.

Example

He's just a dog with fleas.

She was happy before the fall.

The dark of hell was upon him.

Discussion

Prepositions are simple and natural devices that extend descriptions of noun or noun phrases, telling more about such as time and place.

Metaphors may be simple, and in a single word, or may be extended across a whole phrase or sentence. Prepositions act as extensional devices, enabling this continuation of the metaphor to be accomplished.