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A figure of speech comparing two unlike things that is often introduced by 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her smile is like the sun.'

A rhetorical or literary figure in which words, grammatical constructions, or concepts are repeated in reverse order. Example: 'Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You.'

A statement that appears self-contradictory or silly, but which may include a latent truth. Example: 'This statement is false.'

A figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the name of something closely associated with that thing or concept. Example: 'The pen is mightier than the sword.' (Pen refers to written words and sword to military force).

The direct opposite, a sharp contrast. Example: 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'

An exaggerated statement that is not meant to be taken literally. Example: 'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.'

A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt. Example: 'He passed away' instead of 'He died.'

The use of several conjunctions in close succession, especially where some could otherwise be omitted. Example: 'He ran and jumped and laughed for joy.'

The repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words. Example: 'She sells seashells by the seashore.'

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. Example: 'Deafening silence.'

An expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference. Example: 'Don't act like a Romeo in front of her.'

The omission of conjunctions between parts of a sentence. Example: 'I came, I saw, I conquered.'

Ironical understatement in which an affirmative is expressed by the negative of its contrary. Example: 'You won't be sorry' means 'You'll be glad.'

A figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn't literally true, but helps explain an idea or make a comparison. Example: 'Time is a thief.'

The deliberate repetition of the first part of the sentence in order to achieve an artistic effect. Example: 'Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better.'

A joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words that sound alike but have different meanings. Example: 'Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.'

The attribution of human characteristics to something nonhuman. Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, often to humorous or emphatic effect. Example: 'A fire station burns down.'

A figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an entity that is absent, dead, or inanimate. Example: 'Oh, Death, be not proud.'

A figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the whole or vice versa. Example: 'Check out my new wheels.' ('Wheels' refer to a car).

The repetition of a word or phrase in immediate succession, typically within the same sentence, for vehemence or emphasis. Example: 'Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!'

The action of enlarging upon or adding detail to a story or statement. Example: 'The thief was more than just a thief, he was a liar, a cheater, and the destroyer of happiness.'

A figure of speech in which words, phrases, or clauses are arranged in order of increasing importance. Example: 'In the end, what we regret most are the chances we never took.'

A figure of speech in which a word applies to two others in different senses. Example: 'She broke his car and his heart.'

The repetition of the initial word(s) of a clause or sentence at the end of that same clause or sentence. Example: 'Blood hath bought blood, and blows have answered blows.'

The repetition of the last word of a preceding clause at the beginning of the next clause. Example: 'Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate.'

The expression of a single idea by two words connected with 'and', when ordinarily one could express it by a noun and its qualifier. Example: 'Nice and warm' instead of 'nicely warm.'

A figure of speech in which a word is applied to two others in different senses (one literal and the other figurative). Example: 'He caught the train and a bad cold.'

A rhetorical device used for effect by which a seemingly grand or important idea is reduced to something trivial or lesser. Example: 'He lost the love of his life, his job, and then his car broke down.'