Imagine walking through an art gallery, captivated by vivid, colorful canvases that bring stories to life. Isn’t that more interesting than a blank wall? That’s what metaphors do for our language. They paint vivid images, adding depth and vibrancy to our conversations. Isn’t it fascinating how ‘time can fly’, or how ‘life can be a rollercoaster’? Metaphors not only make language more enjoyable but also enhance our understanding of abstract concepts. So, how about we dive into the world of English collocations related to metaphors?
Here are 35 widely-used English collocations associated with metaphors:
1. Blank canvas: A situation or object in which nothing is yet established.
Example: The new house was a blank canvas, ready for us to personalize.
2. Life’s a journey: Life is a process of learning and growing.
Example: With its ups and downs, life’s a journey.
3. Light at the end of the tunnel: A sign of an end or a resolution to a difficult situation.
Example: After months of hard work, we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
4. Time flies: Time passes very quickly.
Example: Can’t believe it’s December already, time really flies.
5. Heart of stone: Describing a person who does not show any sympathy, love, or compassion.
Example: His heart of stone melted when he saw the homeless dog.
6. A breath of fresh air: Something refreshing or new.
Example: Her innovative ideas were a breath of fresh air.
7. A ray of sunshine: Someone or something that makes you feel happy and optimistic.
Example: Her smile was a ray of sunshine.
8. A storm brewing: A situation where trouble is imminent.
Example: With the rival teams in the same room, there was a storm brewing.
9. Break the ice: To make people who have not met before feel more relaxed with each other.
Example: The team-building games helped to break the ice.
10. Burn bridges: To destroy one’s path, connections, reputation, opportunities, particularly intentionally.
Example: Don’t burn bridges with your past employers.
11. Catch some Z’s: To get some sleep.
Example: After a long day, I just wanted to catch some Z’s.
12. Drown sorrows: To attempt to forget issues that plague one’s mind by drinking alcohol.
Example: He was at the bar, trying to drown his sorrows.
13. In the same boat: In a similar situation or predicament.
Example: We’re all in the same boat, studying for the finals.
14. Stir the pot: To cause unrest or discord.
Example: Don’t stir the pot by bringing up old conflicts.
15. Bite the bullet: To endure a painful or difficult situation with courage.
Example: I decided to bite the bullet and go to the dentist.
16. Bitter pill to swallow: An unwelcome or unpleasant fact that one has to accept.
Example: Losing the match was a bitter pill to swallow.
17. The ball is in your court: It is up to you to make the next move.
Example: I’ve done all I can, now the ball is in your court.
18. Walk on eggshells: To be extremely careful about one’s words or actions.
Example: I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around her.
19. Touch wood: A phrase said to avoid tempting fate after making a favorable comment or to show the hope that a good situation will continue.
Example: The weather’s been great, touch wood.
20. Spill the beans: To disclose a secret or reveal something prematurely.
Example: Don’t spill the beans about the surprise party!
21. A piece of cake: Something very easy or straightforward.
Example: The test was a piece of cake.
22. A drop in the ocean: A very small part of something much larger.
Example: My donation is a drop in the ocean, but every little helps.
23. On cloud nine: Extremely happy.
Example: She’s been on cloud nine since she got the promotion.
24. Cry over spilt milk: Wasting time feeling upset about something bad that has happened and cannot be changed.
Example: Yes, we made a mistake, but there’s no use crying over spilt milk.
25. Throw in the towel: To admit defeat or failure.
Example: After months of struggling with the project, he finally threw in the towel.
26. Kick the bucket: A light-hearted or euphemistic phrase meaning to die.
Example: He’s too stubborn to kick the bucket.
27. Turn over a new leaf: To start anew, to change.
Example: She decided to turn over a new leaf and live a healthier lifestyle.
28. Out of the blue: Unexpectedly.
Example: Out of the blue, he asked if I wanted to travel with him.
29. A blessing in disguise: Something that seems bad at first but results in something good.
Example: Losing that job was a blessing in disguise; now I have a job I really love.
30. Beat around the bush: Avoid talking about the main topic.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me what you want.
31. The last straw: The final problem in a series that makes the situation unendurable.
Example: The last straw was when he forgot my birthday.
32. A leopard can’t change its spots: One cannot change one’s essential nature.
Example: He promised to start being punctual, but a leopard can’t change its spots.
33. Through thick and thin: Under all circumstances, no matter how difficult.
Example: We’ve been together through thick and thin.
34. Actions speak louder than words: What you do is more significant than what you say.
Example: You always promise to help, but actions speak louder than words.
35. A picture paints a thousand words: Visual presentations can communicate more effectively than words.
Example: Instead of describing it, I’ll show you photos. After all, a picture paints a thousand words.
Mastering these collocations related to metaphors will not only add color to your language but also help you express abstract concepts in an engaging, relatable manner.
