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My boyfriend showered me with gifts.

Metaphors

Understand metaphors for 11 Plus English. Spot comparisons without “like” or “as”, unpack imagery, and explain how they strengthen meaning.

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Fascinating Fact:

Extended metaphors run through paragraphs, linking details to one idea, like life as a journey with paths and milestones.

In 11 Plus English, metaphors compare two things directly to create vivid images and precise meaning. You’ll identify single and extended metaphors, explain the picture they create, and link it to the writer’s message.

Key Terms

Metaphor: A direct comparison that says one thing is another, to suggest shared qualities.
Simile: A comparison using like or as, e.g., “as brave as a lion.”
Extended metaphor: A metaphor developed across several phrases or sentences to build a strong image.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What is a metaphor in 11 Plus English?

A metaphor states that one thing is another to highlight a quality, e.g., “The classroom was a beehive,” suggesting busy, organised activity.

How is a metaphor different from a simile?

A metaphor says one thing is another. A simile uses like or as, e.g., “like a beehive.” Both compare, but metaphors are stronger and more direct.

How do I explain an extended metaphor in answers?

Identify the central idea, list the linked details, and state the effect: what picture it creates and how that supports the writer’s theme or mood.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
He's the apple of her eye.

He's like an apple

She would like to eat him because he looks like an apple

She adores him

She thinks he is evil

Perhaps she won't eat him

2 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
He lived his life in the fast lane.

He lived in a car which he always drove fast

He's a racing driver

He drives fast

He lived a life full of excitement and activity

And often danger!

3 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
She has half-baked ideas and nothing more.

Her ideas are not thought out enough

She likes cooking, but she isn't very good at it

She doesn't bake very well

She cooks better than she bakes

Half baked food is as bad as half baked ideas

4 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Mary tried to pull the wool over my eyes.

Mary tries to pull his woollen cap over his eyes

Mary tried to cover his eyes with wool

Mary is teasing him

Mary tried to deceive him

She tried to trick him

5 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
These children are rug rats.

The children are playing at being rats on the rug

The children can't walk yet

The children spend a lot of time sitting on rugs

The children are like rats

This is an American/Canadian metaphor

6 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Peter is all thumbs; he just spilt my drink.

Peter has no fingers - only two thumbs

Peter is clumsy

Peter only uses his thumbs to pick things up

Peter knocked the drink over with his thumb

He's very clumsy: you'd think all his fingers are thumbs

7 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
Andrew has decided to turn over a new leaf this year.

Andrew turned over a new page in his book

Andrew changed his behaviour for the better

Andrew changed his behaviour for the worse

Andrew turned over a leaf that had just fallen from a tree

You turn over a new leaf for the better

8 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
My name is mud ever since I caused all that trouble at school.

He has been shamed

He has changed his name to mud

He likes mud because he behaves badly

Mud is his nickname

Mud is not considered good - if your name is mud, you had better start improving your behaviour

9 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
My boyfriend showered me with gifts.

Her boyfriend made her take a shower with his gifts

Her boyfriend threw gifts at her

Her boyfriend gave her endless loads of gifts

Her boyfriend took a shower with her gifts

Think of a water shower

10 .

Find the 'hidden' meaning of the given metaphor.
'Necessity is the mother of invention.'

Someone's mother is a good inventor

Someone's mother has to invent something

Mothers are good inventors

If you really want to do something very much, you will think of a way to do it

Learn this metaphor - it's used quite a bit!

Author: Frank Evans (Specialist 11 Plus Teacher and Tutor)

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