what is a methaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two dissimilar things or ideas to each other to create a powerful image or meaning. It is a type of symbolic representation that helps the reader or listener to understand the concept and idea better. Unlike similes, which use "like" or "as" to make comparisons, metaphors directly state that one thing is another thing. For example, "Her smile was sunshine" compares a person's smile to sunshine, creating an image of warmth and happiness in the reader's mind.