Why Do Writers Use Figurative Language?
People have used figurative language (words or phrases that mean something different from their literal, word-for-word definition) for thousands of years. Ancient storytellers, poets, and everyday speakers discovered that comparing one thing to another can paint a vivid picture in a listener's mind. Instead of saying "the warrior was brave," a Greek poet might say "the warrior had a heart of iron." That phrase doesn't literally mean his heart was made of metal—it suggests he was strong, tough, and unbreakable.
On the SHSAT, you will read passages that contain figurative phrases. The test will ask you to explain what a phrase suggests about an idea, a character, or a situation. To answer correctly, you need to look beyond the surface meaning and think about the feeling or image the author is trying to create.
The key question this lesson answers is: When a writer uses a figurative phrase, what idea is the writer really trying to communicate? Let's break that skill down step by step.
Core Principles of Figurative Language
Before you can explain what a figurative phrase suggests, you need to understand a few core ideas. Think of these as your toolkit for cracking any figurative-language question on the SHSAT.
Literal vs. Figurative
Context Is King
Identify the Comparison
Tone and Feeling
Seeing Figurative Language in Action
The diagram below shows how your brain should process a figurative phrase. You start with the phrase itself, identify what two things are being connected, think about the qualities that carry over, and arrive at the suggested meaning.
Notice how the example at the bottom of the diagram works. The phrase "Time is money" compares time to money. Money is valuable, limited, and something people try not to waste. By comparing time to money, the author suggests that time is equally precious and should be used wisely.
How Figurative Phrases Work — Types You Need to Know
There are several types of figurative language. On the SHSAT, you don't always need to name the type, but understanding how each type works helps you figure out the suggested meaning faster. Let's look at the main types.
Metaphor
A metaphor (a comparison that says one thing is another) directly links two unlike things. "The classroom was a zoo" does not mean actual animals were there. It suggests the room was noisy, chaotic, and out of control—just like a zoo.
Simile
A simile (a comparison using "like" or "as") works just like a metaphor but signals the comparison with a connecting word. "Her smile was like sunshine" suggests her smile was warm, bright, and made people feel happy.
Personification
With personification (giving human qualities to non-human things), an author might write "The wind whispered through the trees." Wind can't actually whisper—this suggests the wind was gentle, quiet, and almost secretive.
Hyperbole
A hyperbole (an extreme exaggeration not meant to be taken literally) makes a point by going way over the top. "I've told you a million times" suggests the speaker is very frustrated and has repeated something many, many times—but not literally a million.
Idiom
An idiom (a common expression whose meaning can't be figured out from the individual words alone) requires you to know the cultural meaning. "Break a leg" doesn't suggest injury—it means "good luck."
Figurative Phrases and the Feelings They Suggest
Different figurative phrases create different feelings. The diagram below maps common figurative phrases along a spectrum from positive feelings to negative feelings. Understanding tone helps you choose the right answer on the SHSAT.
| Figurative Phrase | Literal Image | Suggested Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| "She had ice in her veins." | Ice flowing through blood | She was extremely calm and fearless under pressure. |
| "His words were a dagger." | Words as a sharp blade | His words were hurtful and caused emotional pain. |
| "The city never sleeps." | A city that stays awake | The city is always active and full of energy. |
| "Knowledge is a treasure." | Learning as buried gold | Knowledge is extremely valuable and worth seeking. |
Worked Example — SHSAT-Style Passage
Let's walk through a sample SHSAT-style question together. Read the passage below and follow each step.
Common Mistakes vs. Smart Strategies
Many students lose points on figurative-language questions because of a few predictable mistakes. Here is a comparison of what to avoid and what to do instead.
| ❌ Common Mistake | ✅ Smart Strategy |
|---|---|
| Taking the phrase literally (choosing an answer about actual rivers, animals, etc.) | Always ask: "What idea or feeling is the author really getting at?" |
| Ignoring context—looking only at the phrase itself | Read 1–2 sentences before and after the phrase to understand the situation |
| Picking an answer that matches only one word in the phrase | Make sure the answer matches the whole phrase and the overall tone of the passage |
| Confusing the tone (e.g., choosing a negative answer when the passage is positive) | Check whether the passage presents the phrase in a positive, negative, or neutral light |
| Overthinking—adding meaning the author never suggested | Stick to what the passage actually says; choose the simplest reasonable interpretation |
Figurative Language Beyond the Test
Understanding figurative phrases is not just a test skill—it is a life skill. When you get to high school, you will analyze poems, novels, speeches, and essays that rely heavily on figurative language. In college, you will study how authors use these techniques to shape arguments and emotions. Even in everyday life, ads, song lyrics, and memes use figurative language all the time.
| SHSAT Level | High School & Beyond |
|---|---|
| Identify what a figurative phrase suggests about an idea | Analyze how figurative language develops themes across an entire work |
| Recognize common types (metaphor, simile, personification) | Study advanced devices (allegory, irony, synecdoche, metonymy) |
| Use context clues to figure out meaning | Use historical and cultural context to interpret symbolism |
| Choose the best answer from multiple choices | Write essays that explain an author's use of figurative language |
Mastering this skill now gives you a strong foundation. The better you get at explaining what figurative phrases suggest, the more deeply you will understand everything you read—from test passages to your favorite books.
Practice Problems
Summary — Meaning of Figurative Phrases
Figurative language uses words in non-literal ways to create vivid images, emotions, and deeper ideas. On the SHSAT, you will be asked to explain what a figurative phrase suggests about a character, situation, or idea. To do this, follow the four-step process: read the phrase, identify the comparison, list the qualities of the compared object, and connect those qualities to the topic using the surrounding context.
Remember the key types: metaphors say one thing IS another, similes use "like" or "as," personification gives human traits to non-human things, hyperbole exaggerates for effect, and idioms are fixed expressions with meanings you must learn. Always pay attention to the tone of the passage—it will guide you to the correct interpretation every time.