1. Figurative Language
Figuring it Out

2. Figurative and Literal Language
Literally: words function exactly as defined The car is blue. He caught the football. Figuratively: figure out what it means I’ve got your back. You’re a doll. ^Figures of Speech

3. Simile
Comparison of two things using “like” or “as.” Examples The metal twisted like a ribbon. She is as sweet as candy.

4. A comparison must be made.
Important!
Using “like” or “as” doesn’t make a simile.
A comparison must be made.
Not a Simile: I like pizza.
Simile: The moon is like a pizza.

5. Metaphor
Two things are compared without using “like” or “as.” Examples Men are dogs. She has a stone heart.

6. Personification
Giving human traits to objects or ideas. Examples The sunlight danced. Water on the lake shivers. The streets are calling me.

7. Hyperbole
Exaggerating to show strong feeling or effect. Examples I will love you forever. My house is a million miles from here. She’d kill me.

8. Understatement
Expression with less strength than expected. The opposite of hyperbole. I’ll be there in one second. This won’t hurt a bit.

9. Alliteration
The repetition of consonant sounds, generally at the beginning of words.
Example: Sally sells sea-shells by the sea shore.

10. Onomatopoeia
The use of a word or phrase that imitates or suggests the sound of what it describes.
Examples: Hiss, crack, swish, murmur, mew, buzz.

11. Idiom
An expression that has a meaning apart from the meanings of its individual words.
For example: It’s raining cats and dogs. Its literal meaning suggests that cats and dogs are falling from the sky. We interpret it to mean that it is raining hard.
Other Examples:
To stick your neck out is to say or do something that is bold and a bit dangerous. A similar idiom that is used for slightly more dangerous situations is to "go out on a limb." In both idioms, the idea is that you put yourself in a vulnerable position.
To break the ice is to be the first one to say or do something, with the expectation that others will then follow. Another idiom that means something similar is "get the ball rolling."

12. Allusion
An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference. Ex: I was surprised his nose did not grow after he told an obvious lie. Who does this allude to? Ex: Don’t be a Scrooge! What does this say about the person it’s describing?