English for Students

Figurative Expression

In traditional analysis, words in figurative expressions connote additional layers of meaning, while words in literal expressions denote what they mean according to common or dictionary usage. When the human ear or eye receives the message, the mind must interpret the data to convert it into meaning.



What are Figuratives? On many occassions, the words may not convey the literal meaning of them. They may convey the indirect meanings which may be just the opposite to their literal meanings. Such symbolical and metaphorical meanings are called Figuratives. They contain the figure of speech.



Let us see few hundreds of such Figuratives here.The Figuratives have been arranged in the alphabetical order. Go to the list by clicking that particular page.



Let us see few examples of Figuratives to make the point clear.



Example-1:



The Phrase Yellow Press does not give the literal meaning that the press which is in Yellow color.On the contrary, it conveys the meaning of The News Papers which publish sensational and unscrupulous stories about crime, sex etc...



Example-2:



The Phrase In the same boat does not convey the literal meaning. It has the figurative meaning that in the same misfortune or circumstances.



Here is the list of Figurative Expressions beginning with J.



Jezebel:

A jezebel – a wicked, bold or vicious woman – especially one who paints her face (From wife of Ahab, King of Israel.)



Jiffy:

In a jiffy – in an exceedingly short time



Jowl:

Cheek by jowl – with cheeks close together; close together