Is "I was swallowed by fear" a metaphor? If not what is it? Thanks!
F fritster New member Joined Oct 29, 2017 Member Type Student or Learner Native Language English Home Country Canada Current Location Canada Oct 29, 2017 #1 Is "I was swallowed by fear" a metaphor? If not what is it? Thanks!
emsr2d2 Moderator Staff member Joined Jul 28, 2009 Member Type English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location UK Oct 29, 2017 #2 Welcome to the forum. :hi: Where did you see that phrase? It's not common in British English.
Charlie Bernstein VIP Member Joined Jan 28, 2009 Member Type Other Native Language English Home Country United States Current Location United States Oct 29, 2017 #3 It doesn't work in American English, either. We usually say consumed or overcome. It's not a metaphor. It's called a figure of speech. A figure of speech is an expression that is not meant literally.
It doesn't work in American English, either. We usually say consumed or overcome. It's not a metaphor. It's called a figure of speech. A figure of speech is an expression that is not meant literally.
emsr2d2 Moderator Staff member Joined Jul 28, 2009 Member Type English Teacher Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location UK Oct 29, 2017 #4 I recognise both "consumed by fear" and "overcome with fear".
T Tdol Editor, UsingEnglish.com Staff member Joined Nov 13, 2002 Member Type Native Language British English Home Country UK Current Location Japan Oct 31, 2017 #5 How would you define metaphor?