Figurative Phrase Meaning — Determine the meaning of a phrase that is used figuratively. - SHSAT English Language Arts

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Why Do Writers Use Figurative Language?

Have you ever heard someone say, "It's raining cats and dogs"? You know they don't mean animals are falling from the sky. They mean it's raining very hard. This is figurative language (words or phrases that mean something different from their literal, or dictionary, definition). Writers and speakers have used figurative phrases for thousands of years to make ideas more vivid, emotional, and memorable.

On the SHSAT, you will see reading passages that include figurative phrases. The test will ask you to figure out what these phrases actually mean in context. Understanding the history of figurative language helps you see why it shows up so often in literature.

~800 BCE • Homer's Epic Similes

The ancient Greek poet Homer filled The Odyssey and The Iliad with vivid comparisons like "rosy-fingered dawn," painting pictures with words.

~1600 • Shakespeare's Metaphors

William Shakespeare invented hundreds of figurative phrases still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold."

1800s • Idioms Enter Everyday Speech

As English spread around the world, common figurative expressions—called idioms—became part of everyday conversation, like "spill the beans" and "kick the bucket."

Today • Figurative Language on Standardized Tests

Tests like the SHSAT regularly ask students to interpret figurative phrases in reading passages. Knowing how to decode them is a key skill for earning a strong score.

The big question this lesson answers is: When a phrase in a passage doesn't make sense literally, how do you figure out what the author really means?

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Core Principles of Figurative Phrase Meaning

Before you can answer SHSAT questions about figurative phrases, you need to understand a few key ideas. These four principles will guide you every time you see a phrase that doesn't seem to make literal sense.

Literal vs. Figurative

Literal meaning is the exact, dictionary definition of each word. Figurative meaning is the intended idea behind the words. If the literal meaning doesn't make sense in context, the phrase is figurative.

Context Is King

The sentences around a figurative phrase are your biggest clue. Look at what comes before and after the phrase. The surrounding words usually point you toward the real meaning.

Emotional Tone Matters

Figurative phrases carry feelings. Ask yourself: Is the author expressing something positive, negative, or neutral? The emotional tone (mood or attitude) of the passage helps you choose the right interpretation.

Replace and Reread

Substitute each answer choice into the sentence in place of the figurative phrase. The correct answer will fit the sentence smoothly without changing the author's message.

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of figurative language like a costume. The words are dressed up to look like one thing, but underneath they mean something else. Your job is to look past the costume and find the real meaning hiding underneath. It's like when someone says a test was "a piece of cake"—they're not talking about dessert; they're telling you the test was easy!

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How Figurative Phrases Work — A Visual Guide

The diagram below shows the process your brain should follow when you encounter a phrase in a reading passage. You start by reading the phrase, then you check whether it makes literal sense. If it doesn't, you move into detective mode and use context clues to figure out the figurative meaning.

This flowchart shows the five-step process for figuring out a figurative phrase. Start at the top, and if the literal meaning doesn't work, follow the pink arrow down through context clues, emotional tone, and finally replace and reread.

Notice how the flowchart branches at Step 2. If the phrase makes perfect sense when you read it literally, it probably isn't figurative. But if the literal meaning sounds strange or impossible (like "time flies"), that's your signal to dig deeper using context and tone.

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Types of Figurative Phrases You'll See on the SHSAT

To decode a figurative phrase, it helps to know the main types of figurative language. Each type works a little differently, but they all share one thing in common: the words don't mean exactly what they say.

The Big Six Types

Type	What It Does	Example	Figurative Meaning
Metaphor	Compares two things directly (no "like" or "as")	"The classroom was a zoo."	The classroom was loud and chaotic.
Simile	Compares two things using "like" or "as"	"She ran like the wind."	She ran very fast.
Idiom	A common phrase whose meaning can't be guessed from individual words	"He let the cat out of the bag."	He accidentally revealed a secret.
Personification	Gives human qualities to non-human things	"The wind whispered through the trees."	The wind blew gently and softly.
Hyperbole	Extreme exaggeration for effect	"I've told you a million times!"	I've told you many, many times.
Symbolism	An object stands for a bigger idea	"A light at the end of the tunnel."	Hope or a sign that a difficult time is ending.

Common types of figurative language and how to interpret them

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SHSAT Tip

You do not need to name the type of figurative language on the SHSAT. The test asks you to explain what the phrase means, not what it's called. Knowing the types just helps you recognize figurative phrases faster.

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Using Context Clues to Unlock Meaning

The most powerful tool for figuring out a figurative phrase is context (the words and sentences surrounding the phrase). Context clues act like puzzle pieces that help you build the full picture of what the author means.

The diagram below shows a sample passage with a figurative phrase highlighted. Arrows point to the context clues that help you figure out the phrase's meaning. Study how each clue connects to the final interpretation.

This context clue map shows how three clues—what comes before the phrase, the transition word "but," and what comes after—all point to the meaning: Maria became comfortable and confident performing.

Three Places to Look for Context Clues

Before the phrase: What situation or feeling has the author described leading up to the figurative phrase?
Transition words: Words like "but," "however," "although," and "instead" signal a shift in meaning or direction.
After the phrase: What happens as a result? The outcome often reveals what the figurative phrase was describing.

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Worked Example — SHSAT-Style Question

Let's walk through a full SHSAT-style question together, step by step. Follow along and notice how each step brings you closer to the correct answer.

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PASSAGE EXCERPT

"When the new principal announced major changes to the lunch schedule, many students were upset. Teachers tried to calm them down, but the hallways were still a powder keg for the rest of the day. It wasn't until the principal explained her reasoning at an assembly that tensions finally eased."

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QUESTION

As used in the passage, the phrase "a powder keg" most nearly means— (A) a place full of supplies (B) a dangerous and tense situation (C) a location with loud noises (D) a space that was completely empty

Step-by-Step Solution

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Step 1 — Check the Literal Meaning

A "powder keg" is literally a barrel filled with gunpowder. Could the hallways really be a barrel of gunpowder? No—that doesn't make sense. This tells you the phrase is figurative.
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Step 2 — Read the Context Before

Before the phrase, the passage says students were "upset" and teachers "tried to calm them down." This means emotions were running high. The mood is negative and tense.
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Step 3 — Read the Context After

After the phrase, the passage says "tensions finally eased." The word tensions confirms that the hallways had been full of stress and conflict. The word "finally" suggests this tension lasted a long time.
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Step 4 — Connect to the Figurative Image

A powder keg can explode at any moment. The author is comparing the hallways to something that could "blow up" with anger at any second. This image conveys danger and tension.
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Step 5 — Replace and Reread

Try each answer choice in the sentence: (A) "...the hallways were still a place full of supplies" — doesn't match the mood. (B) "...the hallways were still a dangerous and tense situation" — fits perfectly with "upset," "calm them down," and "tensions eased." (C) "...the hallways were still a location with loud noises" — possible, but doesn't match "tensions." (D) "...the hallways were still a space that was completely empty" — contradicts "many students."

The correct answer is (B) a dangerous and tense situation.

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Common Traps & How to Avoid Them

The SHSAT is designed to test careful reading. The test-makers include wrong answer choices that look tempting. Knowing these common traps will help you avoid mistakes.

Trap	What It Looks Like	How to Avoid It
Literal Lure	An answer choice gives the dictionary meaning of one word in the phrase. Example: choosing "a barrel" for "powder keg."	Ask yourself: "Does this make sense in the sentence?" If it only matches one word, it's probably wrong.
Wrong Tone	The answer has the right general idea but the wrong feeling. Example: choosing "exciting" when the passage mood is actually fearful.	Always check the emotional tone of the passage. Is it positive, negative, or neutral? Your answer should match.
Too Extreme	The answer goes further than the passage supports. Example: choosing "total destruction" when the passage only suggests frustration.	Stick closely to what the passage actually says. Don't add drama that isn't there.
Partially Correct	The answer is half right but misses a key part of the meaning.	Choose the answer that captures the FULL meaning of the phrase, not just part of it.

Four common SHSAT traps for figurative phrase questions

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KEY TAKEAWAY

Think of wrong answer choices like decoy ducks. They look real from far away, but when you get close (by carefully rereading the passage), you can tell they're fake. The best way to spot a decoy is to always go back to the passage and check the context before choosing your answer.

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Figurative Phrases vs. Vocabulary-in-Context Questions

On the SHSAT, you'll see two related question types. Both ask "what does this mean in the passage," but they work a bit differently. Understanding the difference helps you use the right strategy.

Feature	Figurative Phrase Meaning	Vocabulary in Context
What's being asked	The meaning of a multi-word phrase that isn't literally true	The meaning of a single word with multiple dictionary definitions
Example	"What does 'burning bridges' mean in line 12?"	"What does 'sharp' mean in line 5?"
Key strategy	Use context to figure out the idea behind the image	Use context to pick which definition of the word fits
Common mistake	Choosing the literal meaning of the phrase	Choosing the most common definition of the word (which may not fit)
Shared skill	Both require reading the surrounding sentences carefully and using the Replace & Reread technique	Both require reading the surrounding sentences carefully and using the Replace & Reread technique

Figurative Phrase Meaning vs. Vocabulary in Context — how they compare

As you move toward high school English, you'll encounter more complex figurative language—extended metaphors (a metaphor that continues across several sentences), allegory (a whole story that stands for something else), and irony (saying the opposite of what you mean). The decoding skills you learn now will serve as your foundation for tackling all of these.

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Practice Problems

Try these five problems on your own. For each one, use the five-step process: read the phrase, check if it's literal, find context clues, consider the tone, and replace and reread. Answers and explanations are below each question.

Question 1: CONCEPTUAL

Read this sentence: "After losing the championship game, the locker room was a tomb." Is the phrase "a tomb" used literally or figuratively? How do you know?

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The phrase "a tomb" is used figuratively. A locker room is not actually a burial place. The author uses "tomb" to suggest the room was very quiet and gloomy—like a place of death. The context clue "after losing the championship game" tells you the players are sad and silent, which matches the dark, silent image of a tomb.

Question 2: BASIC

Read this passage: "Maya had been dreading the science fair for weeks. But when the judges praised her project, she was walking on air for the rest of the afternoon." What does the phrase "walking on air" most nearly mean? (A) floating above the ground (B) feeling extremely happy (C) walking very quickly (D) feeling dizzy and confused

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The correct answer is (B) feeling extremely happy. Maya was dreading the fair (negative), but then the judges praised her project (positive shift signaled by "but"). "Walking on air" is a figurative phrase meaning she felt so happy it was like she was floating. Choice (A) is the literal meaning, (C) doesn't match the emotional context, and (D) contradicts the positive tone.

Question 3: INTERMEDIATE

Read this passage: "The candidate's speech was well-received at first, but when he was asked about his tax plan, he started grasping at straws. He repeated the same vague promises and couldn't provide any specific numbers." What does the phrase "grasping at straws" most nearly mean? (A) reaching for a drink (B) trying desperately without a real solution (C) organizing his notes carefully (D) becoming angry with the audience

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The correct answer is (B) trying desperately without a real solution. The context clue after the phrase says he "repeated the same vague promises and couldn't provide any specific numbers." This shows he had no real answer and was desperately trying to come up with something. The idiom "grasping at straws" comes from the image of a drowning person grabbing at anything—even thin straws—to stay afloat. (A) is a literal trap, (C) contradicts "vague," and (D) isn't supported by the passage.

Question 4: APPLIED

Read this passage: "The team had struggled all season, losing game after game. But their new coach planted the seeds for a turnaround. She introduced structured practices, encouraged teamwork, and within a few months the team began winning consistently." What does the phrase "planted the seeds for a turnaround" most nearly mean? (A) grew a garden near the field (B) put early actions in place that led to future improvement (C) decided to replace all the players (D) predicted that the team would eventually win

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The correct answer is (B) put early actions in place that led to future improvement. The phrase "planted the seeds" is a metaphor comparing the coach's early work to planting seeds that grow over time. The context clues are the specific actions listed: "introduced structured practices, encouraged teamwork." These are the "seeds." The result—"the team began winning consistently"—is the growth from those seeds. (A) is a literal trap, (C) isn't supported, and (D) captures prediction but not the active effort that "planted" implies.

Question 5: CRITICAL THINKING

Read this passage: "Lena had always been a straight-A student, but eighth grade hit her like a freight train. Between advanced classes, volleyball practice, and family obligations, she felt like she was drowning in responsibilities. Still, she refused to throw in the towel." The passage contains multiple figurative phrases. Identify two of them and explain what each one means, using context clues to support your answer.

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Two figurative phrases in the passage are "hit her like a freight train" and "throw in the towel". The simile "hit her like a freight train" means eighth grade was shockingly overwhelming. The context clue is the list of demands: advanced classes, volleyball, and family obligations. A freight train is massive and unstoppable, so this comparison shows how powerfully the challenges struck her. The idiom "throw in the towel" (from boxing, where a trainer throws a towel to stop the fight) means to give up. The context clue is the word "still," which signals a contrast—even though she felt overwhelmed, she refused to quit. A third figurative phrase, "drowning in responsibilities," means she had so many obligations she felt overwhelmed, as if they were water pulling her under.

SUMMARY

Lesson Summary

Summary

Figurative phrases are expressions whose meaning goes beyond the literal definition of the words. On the SHSAT, you'll be asked to determine what these phrases really mean. The key types include metaphors, similes, idioms, personification, hyperbole, and symbolism. You don't need to name them—you just need to understand what they mean.

Follow the five-step process every time: read the phrase, check if it's literal or figurative, examine context clues before and after, consider the emotional tone, and finally replace and reread with each answer choice. Watch out for traps like the literal lure and wrong tone answers. Always go back to the passage to confirm your choice!