figure of speech

Related to figure of speech: personification, metaphor, simile, parts of speech

figure of speech

A form of expression in language, either spoken or written, that employs nonliteral meaning, unusual construction, or a particular combination of sounds to emphasize or heighten the rhetorical effect. Bob: "Does eating an apple a day really keep doctors away from you?" Doug: "Don't take it so literally, Bob, it's just a figure of speech."
See also: figure, of, speech
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • speech
  • wink wink (nudge nudge)
  • nudge nudge
  • nudge nudge (wink wink)
  • nudge nudge, wink wink
  • spoken
  • not to say
  • once
  • give it one's best shot, to
  • take (something) out of context
References in periodicals archive
"It's just a figure of speech to dramatize his extreme displeasure," Delfin Lorenzana told reporters on Wednesday.
Ms Coppinger's colleague Joe Higgins hit back and said: "The dogs of war is a well-known figure of speech. The Tanaiste should read her Shakespeare and she will find it there."
Trained by Charlie Appleby at Godolphin's Moulton Paddock Stables in Newmarket, Figure of Speech is making the sixth start of his career, having won on debut and twice coming second in notable Group races.
Appleby said: "Figure Of Speech has come on a little bit since Newmarket and I think that genuine good ground will play to his strengths.
I'm really looking forward to Goodwood, where we have Cap O'Rushes, Masterstroke and Figure Of Speech running, and some nice maidens."
I really find it hard to believe that a mere figure of speech would necessitate a letter to the GDN.
Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses obvious exaggeration, often for a comic effect.
In a dream text, a figure of speech can become a story.
Forni's approach beautifully complements this scholarship, revealing how in Boccaccio's mind a story can take its shape not only from a pre-existing plot, but also merely from a figure of speech. We witness the "rhetorical realization of rhetoric"; not only do "words imitate extratextual reality, but textual reality imitates words." For example, the abbess of a nunnery (Dec.
Rules were broken, yes, but sometimes the result was a phrase or figure of speech that was so apt and descriptive that I didn't dare try to correct them but would want to write their words down in my own journal instead.
A figure of speech in which a number of phrases or sentences are arranged in ascending order of rhetorical forcefulness.
In the most extreme paroxysms of the critical mythomania, it is even hinted that like Renoir, his predecessor in flesh-painting, he "paints with his penis"--a figure of speech, of course, but powerful one.
President Rodrigo Duterte's threat to wage war against Canada was mere 'figure of speech,' Malacanang said on Monday, but his ultimatum for that country to take back its trash remains.
Threats over trash from Canada just 'figure of speech,' Palace explains !-- -- (Philstar.com) - April 29, 2019 - 3:56pm MANILA, Philippines Echoing a previous statement by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo explained President Rodrigo Duterte's threats of war against Canada are just a "figure of speech", a common explanation for the president's remarks.
"It was just a figure of speech to dramatize his extreme displeasure," said Lorenzana.