a metaphor or a personification?

[eurekateam]

I wanted to ask about the proverb *Lies have short legs*. Does it emploies a metephor or personification. I had an debate with my theory of literature teacher about this topic. She said that it emploied a personification whereas I said a metaphor.
Please, give me a well facted answer to make cleat this topic.
Thank you!

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by eurekateam

I wanted to ask about the proverb *Lies have short legs*. Does it emploies a metephor or personification. I had an debate with my theory of literature teacher about this topic. She said that it emploied a personification whereas I said a metaphor.
Please, give me a well facted answer to make cleat this topic.
Thank you!

Within the word personification there's the word 'person'. If what you are describing has the attributes of a person, then you're using personification.

The difference between personification and metaphor is that metapor is a comparison made by referring to one thing as another. For example,

Life is a beach.
No man is an island.

Above, Life is being compared to a beach, and humans are being compared to an island.

If we add in the word "like", we get a simile. Note the letters 'simil-', it means, similar. When you are comparing two things that are not 100% the same, but that have a degree of similarity, then it's a simile.

Life is not a beach, but it's like a beach. (Simile)
Life is a beach. They are one and the same. (Metaphor)

Lies have short legs. (Personification)

'Lies' is a thing and 'legs' belong to beings that walk, which is what 'Lies have short legs' is referring to: Lies don't last long. If you tell one, you're to be found out (as a liar) sooner or later.

[eurekateam]

thank you! You were wery clear.

[Casiopea]

You're most welcome.

[eurekateam]

Can you show me how I can find the threads I post more easily because I find some difficulties with it.
Thank you!

[Casiopea]

Originally Posted by eurekateam

Can you show me how I can find the threads I post more easily because I find some difficulties with it.
Thank you!

Do you mean the question about 'not to go' and 'to not go', and if so, click here.

You can find your posts by clicking on the words User CP, located at the top of the page, or you can click on your name, located at the top of your post.