Metaphor

​Have you ever thought about how often you use metaphors in everyday speech and writing?
 
The word metaphor has its origins in the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root bher(1) (to carry) and Greek pherein (to carry, to bear). Greek meta (a transformation; e.g., metamorphosis; more comprehensive; e.g., metaphysics) + pherein = metapherein (to transfer, carry over; to change) and Greek metaphora (a transfer). The word metaphor comes to English in the late 15th century via 13th century Old French metafore and Latin metaphora. A metaphor carries or transfers meaning from one word to another word in such a way that a new idea or meaning is created.
 
Metaphors help us talk of things for which words may be inadequate or for which there may be no words at all. A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a meaning from one word is ‘carried’ or ‘transferred’ to another word; e.g., Time > money; time is money. The concept of time is complex but money we understand.
 
Our perception of ‘time is money’ can be seen in common phrases such as wasting time, this tool will save you hours, spending your time, running out of time, living on borrowed time, thank you for your time, and so on.
 
How about love? Here are two metaphors: Love is a journey. Love is a collaborative work of art.
 
Love is a journey: Look how far we’ve come together. We can’t turn back now. I don’t think this relationship is going anywhere. Our marriage is on the rocks. It has been a long and bumpy road but once we get over the hump, it will be smooth sailing.
 
Love is a collaborative work of art: How do you see the world? What kind of life do you want to create? Let’s work together. Let’s create something beautiful. Love takes patience—we have to wait for the paint to dry.
 
In brief, say Lakoff & Johnson, “Metaphor plays a very significant role in determining what is real for us” (146). Metaphors not only illuminate our perceptions but also inform our actions.
 
In closing, “Metaphors be with you.”
 
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
Lakoff, G. & Johnson, M. (2003). Metaphors we live by. Chicago. University of Chicago Press.