Reading: Reading for Inference & Implied Meaning
B2 Lesson 3: Understanding Figurative Language (Metaphors, Idioms)
When Words Mean More Than They Say
Advanced writers use figurative language1 to create powerful images and feelings. This is language where the meaning is different from the literal5, word-for-word definition.
Understanding figurative language requires you to be a good "reading detective." Today, we will learn how to interpret two important types: the Metaphor2 and the Idiom3.
Part 1: Understanding Metaphors
A metaphor is a creative comparison that says one thing is another, different thing. It does not use the words 'like' or 'as'. It forces you to see something in a new way to understand its deeper meaning.
Example: "The old, abandoned casino on top of Bokor Mountain is a stone skeleton against the foggy sky."
Analysis: Is the building literally a skeleton? No. This metaphor compares the building to a skeleton to create a feeling. It implies the building is empty, lifeless, old, and perhaps a little bit scary or sad.
Part 2: Understanding Idioms
An idiom or idiomatic expression is a phrase where the meaning is totally different from the individual words. You must understand the phrase as a whole chunk.
Idiom: to cost an arm and a leg
Example: "I love the new iPhone, but I can't afford it. It costs an arm and a leg."
Analysis: The context is about affording a phone. Does it literally cost body parts? No. The idiom means "to be extremely expensive."
Idiom: to hit the books
Example: "My final exam is next week, so I can't go to the party this weekend. I really need to hit the books."
Analysis: Should the person physically punch their books? No. The context is an upcoming exam. The idiom means "to study very hard."
Idiom: once in a blue moon
Example: "I am so busy with work in Phnom Penh that I only get to visit my family in Kampot once in a blue moon."
Analysis: The context is being "so busy." The idiom does not relate to the color of the moon. It means "very rarely" or "almost never."
Your Turn! Interpret the Meaning.
Practice Quiz
Read the sentences and choose the best interpretation of the figurative language.
1. "After the argument with his friend, his words were a wall of ice between them."
What does this metaphor imply about his words?
- A. His words were very cold, unfriendly, and created a barrier.
- B. His words were about winter weather.
- C. His words were not spoken clearly.
Answer: A. The metaphor compares the words to a "wall of ice" to show they created a cold, unfriendly barrier between the friends.
2. "I'm sorry I can't come to your party on such short notice. I have too much on my plate right now."
What does the idiom "have too much on my plate" mean?
- A. The person has a lot of food to eat.
- B. The person is very busy with too many responsibilities.
- C. The person does not like parties.
Answer: B. This common idiom compares having many tasks or problems to having a plate that is too full of food. It means "to be too busy."
Vocabulary Glossary
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Figurative Language (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ភាសាស្រមើស្រមៃដែលអត្ថន័យមិនមានន័យត្រង់។ វាត្រូវបានប្រើដើម្បីបង្កើតរូបភាព ឬអារម្មណ៍ខ្លាំង
Imaginative language where the meaning is not literal. It is used to create a strong image or feeling. ↩ back to text -
Metaphor (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ការប្រៀបធៀបបែបប្រដូច
A direct comparison that states one thing is another (e.g., "Her voice is music."). ↩ back to text -
Idiom / Idiomatic Expression (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: ឃ្លាថេរដែលអត្ថន័យមិនអាចយល់បានពីពាក្យនីមួយៗ (ឧ. 'spill the beans')
A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be understood from the individual words (e.g., 'spill the beans'). ↩ back to text -
Literal Meaning (noun)
ភាសាខ្មែរ: អត្ថន័យត្រង់
The exact, dictionary definition of a word, without creative interpretation. ↩ back to text
Homework Task
Find Figurative Language!
Listen to a popular English song or watch a 2-3 minute clip from an English movie.
- Listen for an idiom. Write it down and explain what you think it means in the context of the song or scene.
- Listen for a metaphor or a simile. Write it down and explain what two things are being compared.
Pop culture is full of figurative language!