What is a Metaphor - 8 Ways to Create Meaning with Comparison

What is a Metaphor - a complete guide to the art of metaphor, including eight different types, how they work, and how writers can use them to create meaning through comparison.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Metaphors
00:55 - Metaphor Definition and History
03:19 - Direct/Standard Metaphor
03:47 - Simile
05:13 - Implied Metaphor
06:26 - Extended Metaphor
07:45 - Controlling Metaphor
08:48 - Mixed Metaphor
09:36 - Dead Metaphor
10:05 - Visual Metaphor
12:35 - Takeaways
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WHAT IS A METAPHOR
Metaphors are deceptively simple. We use them all the time in our everyday conversations. And yet there is a strict definition for “What is a metaphor” that most people aren’t aware of. For the average person, there is no pressing need to understand the art of metaphor, but the same cannot be said for writers. In this video, we’re going to define metaphor, the eight different types, how they work, and how writers can add them to their literary arsenal.
METAPHOR DEFINITION
Let’s start with a metaphor definition. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares an object to another object with similar characteristics. It uses conjugations of “to be” like “I am,” “She is,” or “They are.” For example, “love is a battlefield.” Four elements are necessary to create a metaphor: the tenor, the vehicle, the ground, and the tension. The tenor is the subject in question (love), and the vehicle is the object of comparison (battlefield). The ground is what these two things have in common (both can be treacherous endeavors), and the tension makes them distinct (love is an emotion, while battlefields are sites of physical conflict).
“Love is a battlefield” is the standard, pure type of metaphor, but there are many others to explain.
TYPES OF METAPHORS
SIMILE VS METAPHOR
A simile is a type of metaphor that uses qualifiers such as “like” or “as” to make comparisons. For example, when Shrek proclaims that “Ogres are like onions.”
IMPLIED METAPHOR
An implied metaphor makes a comparison, but it’s more implicit. For example, in Whiplash, a character says, “Don’t worry about Fletcher. He’s more bark than bite.” Fletcher is being compared to a dog without saying exactly that.
EXTENDED METAPHOR
An extended metaphor is a comparison expressed over many lines. Perhaps the most famous example would be, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women are merely players…” from Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
DEAD METAPHOR
A dead metaphor is a metaphor that has been overused and turned into a cliche. Examples of these would include “You’re breaking my heart” and “Time is running out.”
CONTROLLING METAPHOR
A controlling metaphor is used throughout the story, often to speak the overall theme. In Turning Red, Mei turning into a giant red panda is a metaphor for the pains of puberty.
MIXED METAPHOR
A mixed metaphor combines two comparisons incorrectly. For example, “The early bird gathers no moss.”
VISUAL METAPHOR
Finally, a visual metaphor is simply a comparison made visually. This can be done in a single image (like fireworks exploding during a romantic moment) or between images, like Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein intercut strikers being killed with cattle being slaughtered.
As you can see, the art of metaphor has wide-ranging implications. A writer or filmmaker can inject extra layers of meaning into their dialogue and imagery, adding sophistication and nuance to their work.
#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking
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Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Metaphors 00:55 - Metaphor Definition and History 03:19 - Direct/Standard Metaphor 03:47 - Simile 05:13 - Implied Metaphor 06:26 - Extended Metaphor 07:45 - Controlling Metaphor 08:48 - Mixed Metaphor 09:36 - Dead Metaphor 10:05 - Visual Metaphor 12:35 - Takeaways

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This channel isn't sponsored because it's advertisement on its own for the StudioBinder software. :)

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It's their own app. They are THE sponsor!

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@@get_a_job_bro plot twist

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❤❤ we are our own sponsors :)

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Why liquid gold??

[@asherphoenix75]

“We can express our feelings regarding the world around us either by poetic or by descriptive means. I prefer to express myself metaphorically. Let me stress: metaphorically, not symbolically. A symbol contains within itself a definite meaning, certain intellectual formula, while metaphor is an image. An image possessing the same distinguishing features as the world it represents. An image - as opposed to a symbol - is indefinite in meaning. One cannot speak of the infinite world by applying tools that are definite and finite. We can analyze the formula that constitutes a symbol, while metaphor is a being-within-itself, it's a monomial. It falls apart at any attempt of touching it.” -Andrey Tarkovsky, ‘Sculpting in Time’

[@StudioBinder]

Beautiful prose!

[@Osmone_Everony]

The problem with metaphors is that different languages/cultures have different metaphors for the same meaning and thus either lip-sync verbal translation gets hard or, in case of a visual metaphor, people get confused because they don't know the connection. I could tell several examples but here is just one. There's a scene in the "Airplane" movie where a piece of sh*t hits a fan. The meaning is very obvious for native English speakers but I'm German and back at that time I wasn't familiar with English metaphors and I wondered why that shot was inserted. It made no sense to me. BTW in Germany we say (literally translated) "the poop is steaming".

[@wathsi99]

Same problem translating idioms. A translation of dialogue won't do justice for them, so a director probably needs to use visual language to communicate this to a broader international audience.

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting point!

[@IgorTavern]

This whole movie probably was a challenge for translators here in Brazil, specially that "Roger/Over" joke. I don't remember how they've done it (sub and dub) but I they had to adapt more than translate. The "sh*t hits the fan" here its pretty close to translate, we say "deu merda" ou "deu ruim" (it all went wrong).

[@fegoru]

But that's exactly the idea of visual metaphors -specially- in films. Saying a metaphor through dialogue doesn't compare to showing it through images. A great metaphor would be "scenified" in a movie. In this sense you don't have to know that somewhere in the world people have a saying that goes: "the sh*t hits the fan" for you to see it "scenified" and realise that it probably won't have a good outcome.

[@gregorylagrange]

@@fegoru But figures of speech don't necessarily carry over well with different languages. Because figures of speech can be very specific to region and not just language. So "scenfiying" a figure of speech can easily fail.

[@Z-Strike026]

Rocket Raccoon: "His species is completely literal. Metaphors will go over his head." Drax: "Nothing goes over my head. I am too fast; I would catch it."

[@Sarah-km2ec]

I think the best example of how film uses metaphor is the show 'buffy the vampire slayer' it sounds like a dumb teen show but it's so much more than that. Not only is the show meant to be slayer and understood as a metaphor for life in every way shape and form, macro to micro. The entire thing is layered heavily with metaphor and nuance in a way I've never seen before (at least not to this level) and I've seen my fair share of cinema, trust me.

[@StudioBinder]

Great example!

[@leonhardeuler675]

5:55 My entire life I have thought the phrase was "Crumple under pressure". Honestly I think that crumple is a better word than crumble because I think more things literally crumple under pressure than crumble. Like a biscuit crumbles under pressure. It turns to crumbs. But anything that isn't very brittle (like a plate, which would crack) and that doesn't inevitably turn into crumbs will crumple under pressure. Importantly, a person who was put under ever increasing weight would eventually, literally crumple. So I think we should all join me and crumple under pressure.

[@Vesohag]

I guess that one could count as a "mixed metaphor".😂

[@leonhardeuler675]

@@Vesohag What's the other metaphor that includes "crumple"?

[@Vesohag]

@@leonhardeuler675 one that we shall come up with.

[@StudioBinder]

I'd rather we rise to the occasion

[@chrisjfox8715]

I went into the movie turning red not knowing anything about what it was about. I ended up being so in love with that metaphor. I'm so glad that they had the gall to go there!

[@StudioBinder]

👌👌

[@lucinematic]

This subtle Schindler's list theme in the background strikes directly to the heart.

[@StudioBinder]

💖💖

[@hambatuhan3165]

Been waiting this topic on What Is, as always so depth, conscience and full of examples. Since you mentioned briefly about symbolism at the end, maybe that's the topic for the next What Is? Its types and how to incorporate them into a story? This lesson meant so much sir.

[@StudioBinder]

we might!

[@johnta17]

AI will never replace Studio Binder quality content.

[@StudioBinder]

Not on our watch

[@shadowhero_]

The most beautiful and meaningful metaphors I've ever heard of are in 'Hotel del Luna' (a tv series about being and time, in short). Definitely worth watching (in my opinion).

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting example!

[@elichilton7031]

Studio Binder is my compass! Showing me the way in filmmaking just when I need it.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming

[@ritvikbhuinya2620]

Metaphorically for a metaphor 🎉

[@deathybrs]

This may well have been the best video from StudioBinder I've personally seen to date.

[@StudioBinder]

wow! Appreciate the feedback

[@gabrieloliveiradasilvahirg6504]

This is one of the most important videos about storytelling!

[@StudioBinder]

Why we made it!

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

My Favorite Movies with the Most inspiring Metaphors are : -King Kong (1933) : Kong is a Metaphor of Great Depression of the 30th decade. -Godzilla (1954) : Godzilla is a Metaphor of the result of Atomic and Hydrogen bomb explosion and what radioactivity can create. -Matrix Franchise Many inspiring Movies and Masterpieces.

[@StudioBinder]

Great choices!

[@Rainlesslover]

I love this video, and I’ve showed almost most videos to my students, my only complain is, WHY DIDN”T YOU GUYS RELEASE THIS VIDEO BACK IN SEPTEMBER WHEN I HAD ESL STUDENTS 😢……………… Big fan though, will show this video for sure this coming September😢

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You guys are fantastic. Thanks for always making my Mondays so much better.

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Cheers!

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This videos are simply AWESOME... Can't wait to try-out the software.

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Hope it helps!

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Great as always! One of my most beloved channels here on YT! 💚

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🚀🚀

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Studio Binder lessons make Mondays so much more tolerable 🙃🙃🙃

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Making your Mondays more cinematic 😊

[@clausvergara9702]

Fantastic as always. Every video you guys make helps the those who want to be a great storytelling and filmmaker. Like previous one last week, fantastic and helpful as well.

[@StudioBinder]

we hope so~

[@CalmaxFilm]

Awesome work buddy, thanks a lot to bring us these free.

[@gorequillnachovidal]

with Jack and the Shining, it is showing that the maze stuff was happening in his head as he was thinking up his new novel.

[@StudioBinder]

Interesting theory!

[@tryingbridge2548]

Welcome to english class with studio binder. You make it much more interesting than school did btw

[@StudioBinder]

we hope so :)

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Appreciate to your consistency 👏👏

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🙏🙏

[@saracarneiro94]

As always a great video from my favorite channel ❤️

[@gnlpupol]

Apart from the excellent content that Studiobinder provides us, this time I want to use this comment to appreciate the voice of this voice artist who narrates most of the episodes. Whoever you are sir, you deserve applause. Sometimes it feels like i am in a class and you are my professor. Though I cannot see you (because that's not the purpose here), i can hear your deep, wide voice. And now it's so regular to me that whenever i hear your voice, i automatically feel like I am in a class. In short, You have a really valuable voice, sir. *STUDIOBINER, please send my message to this man.*

[@brandonscullion]

Divya, I showed your message to Paul (the guy who did VO for this video) and he wanted me to pass a message along: "Please reply to Divya Mani on my behalf thanking him for his kind words and tell hi I'm most appreciative for all his generous observations."

[@gnlpupol]

Thank You so much Brandon.

[@fridaynighttherapy]

So thankful for this channel

[@StudioBinder]

Thankful for our viewers

[@abhishekbansod2622]

Beautifully explained as always 😊❤️

[@TassioFolli]

Speechless... another masterpiece binding my mind ❤

[@StudioBinder]

StudioBinded

[@Craftedbywaltz]

You guys are beyond amazing, bless u with your work.

[@gregoryjabulanieland4270]

This is so amazing and motivating and educational

[@rogerlid2118]

Metaphors create context! Great tool.

[@StudioBinder]

A powerful one every filmmaker should use!

[@SandyinYoutube]

11:22 North by North West's metaphor💀 Studiobinder silently slipping in adult jokes😂😂

[@rayancedrichaddad1197]

I've been waiting for this video. I am really inspired by your work. With the importance of the Allegory, now I start to understand the importance of Metaphor in Creativity and Writing process. Thousand Thanks StudioBinder.

[@StudioBinder]

Happy filming :)

[@basstian]

I loved this video. It's like a snowy owl with the facial disc of a harrier.

[@StudioBinder]

😂

[@user-wr5bz1wq2v]

StudioBinder rocks!!!!

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This video deserves more views

[@BuddyBearCreator]

you folks put a lot of work into this analysis always :) 😁

[@xtianrogelio20]

I'm learning a lot. I hope there is also this kind of tutorial for Music Production.

[@neobellic7258]

6:02 The moment I didn't know I wanted to see but I'm glad for.

[@StudioBinder]

👍👍

[@hurricaneonjooo3992]

Always a pleasure!

[@StudioBinder]

Cheers!

[@-The-Darkside]

"The Feelings come back to you" Beautiful brother

[@StudioBinder]

👌👌

[@JoeMwangi]

That outro was epic!!

[@StudioBinder]

🙏🙏

[@atutor1]

This guy is the only narrator we want for these videos

[@anujgera9477]

This channel creates value ❤

[@StudioBinder]

That's the goal :)

[@user-mx6il5xo5g]

Cool, guys! I love it! ❤

[@Dismythed]

Visual Metaphor also has subgroups: foreshadow (hawk snatching a fish from water), foreboding (raven), facsimile (a monkey in a business suit at a desk), symbol (a piece of paper blowing on the wind), mimicry (A match-cut of a man putting down a body matched to a bear putting down a fish to devour it) and mockery (a man shouting obscenities matched to a monkey making noises and throwing things).

[@bollywoodfightactionreacti9189]

Superb video

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@vicentecampos2893]

Great video.

[@dhepaksomu]

Please make a video about the music of Angelo Badalementi. He is one of the most underrated composers who can give deep real emotions.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@Ayogenius67]

MAN THIS CHANNEL IS HERE LAST FOR MY OWN BENEFIT

[@StudioBinder]

Enjoy!

[@JM-uk9yb]

These guys are better than my english teachers at school

[@StudioBinder]

😮

[@julius-stark]

The T-Rex could be incredibly stealthy when the plot requires it.

[@StudioBinder]

It knew where the camera was

[@egg250]

My favourite metaphor is when the camera zooms in a drain in Barton Fink, implying that things will go down the drain.

[@StudioBinder]

haha that's a fun one

[@iggyfenton5]

Do you have/can you make a video on symbolism in film? Especially symbolic characters or encounters? (Examples: Blade Runner - The Unicorn, or Narnia - Aslan)

[@ShieldYoung]

Actually it was a tag team handicap match between The Rock & John Cena vs The Sidemen

[@StudioBinder]

✔✔

[@milknMARY]

could you explain ecocriticism and its approaches in film please?

[@joaquinhernandez6940]

10:04 two words come to midn every time this song plays: Madagascar meat 🍖

[@StudioBinder]

😂

[@esidarasun8151]

Is an extended metaphor, then, one tenor with multiple vehicles that share a theme?

[@taorichard80]

good

[@lowlowseesee]

been rapping for decades and this cleared some things up hahahahaha

[@alicial4857]

Your videos are seashells in the sand.

[@Hugglebuns]

What book is the subject, object;tenor, vehicle stuff from?

[@StudioBinder]

Not from a specific book, just concepts

[@officegossip]

Best way to get a load of these is to read a lot of literature.

[@AndreaClinton]

Wondering would this work well in movies like Godfather, American Gangster, Goodfellas etc? As soon as I asked, I realized it does.

[@deborapinheiro8799]

this video teach me better than my teacher

[@President_SDJ_ROK]

Next time, could you do a video on John Wick Chapter 4 and analyze the amazing cinematography and other elements of the movie that made it a masterpiece?

[@StudioBinder]

We probably will break it down in the future!

[@thisissaurav_]

Still waiting Director's Chair 1. Asghar Farhadi 2. Hayao Miyazaki

[@StudioBinder]

we covered Miyazaki in this video! kzbin.info/www/bejne/ennSn2mapLZqa5I

[@FilmDonovan]

I love your videos - I have even shared them with my family multiple times. I have even tried using a lot of techniques in my own videos! If anyone wants to critique mine I would welcome it👍

[@KABOBkabob]

I know this channel is kinda film school 101 but it would be cool to see some less mainstream examples of things. I feel like most of the examples y'all use in broader videos are lotr, fincher, Spielberg, marvel, and things literally everyone has seen like Shawshank. Ik that's kinda the point but yea

[@StudioBinder]

Appreciate the feedback! We'll keep trying to include a more diverse palette of films

[@kingkape7342]

What movie is that @ 4:15

[@brandonscullion]

Blade Runner

[@StudioBinder]

Names appear on the bottom left corner as the films appear!

[@emirhandr.3824]

im thinking that most of the great directors aren't actually aware what they are doing. They just do it the way they want to

[@ganeshbsg5932]

What's the name of the film at 6:27

[@jeremymullins1294]

As You Like It. (bottom right of the screen)

[@CorbCorbin]

Like a Rolling Stone

[@StudioBinder]

💯

[@JeronimoGinaca]

yes!!!!

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for watching!

[@vidguy2004]

A metaphor.... Is.... A butterfly.... :3

[@MichaelSmith-zw5fu]

Its a thought with another thought's hat on

[@StudioBinder]

Nice description haha

[@SrijanAshish]

This video reminds me of my 10th class English 😂😂

[@StudioBinder]

Hopefully it was more helpful haha

[@SrijanAshish]

@@StudioBinder For sure .keep going and make more director's playbook series

[@RR_DM]

Is a bullet train an unwed woman? Obviously not, that would be asinine but the bullet train is being compared to a maiden and the first trip sort of like a honeymoon (simile) or, as stated: a maiden voyage🥂 Do zombies exist? Generally, we assume not, they're an idea og fiction but the way drugs can negatively affect ambition, hygiene and motor skills is why many compare drug users to zombies (the lack of emotion, cold dead eyes and unwavering commitment for their next fix) does that make sense??

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

this video was an excuse to make a gif of tom cruise eating a cookie im sure of it

[@idanlewenhoff2295]

just to add il recommend this channel to anyone i know keep up the good work

[@StudioBinder]

😎

[@disisfunny88]

Sadness is a prison 😔 😢

[@samstits8982]

In Trainspotting he swims through a toilet to get his fix. I’m guessing that’s a metaphor.

[@m.ainunwildan962]

I shall be amongst the firsts

[@StudioBinder]

Welcome!

[@twalrus1]

Met-a-four...it means the eights, nines and tens were still in bed sleeping off the all night partying. Only the fours were out and about, so I met a four.

[@mikewright3029]

she's a wizard, Harry. lol. XD

[@Ekalavya_]

Watch RRR. You'll get to know how metaphor is represented with Fire and water

[@StudioBinder]

we did! we did a breakdown kzbin.info/www/bejne/naC3aqGefriZmpo

[@vidadvocate9522]

I soak in your videos and let them seep into my mind, like melting chocolate on my tongue. Meaning, I think yer stuff's purdy cool. ;)

[@StudioBinder]

Rad 🔥

[@Senjinone]

"Love is a battlefield" is not a Metaphor - thats a parable.

[@StudioBinder]

a parable is a type of story, which can't be one line

[@MattRichardsonX]

Metaphors are best left out of the writer's toolbox. Most often they just sound corny and distract from the overall flow of the pen.

[@KABOBkabob]

I feel like the best ones sort of just fall into place as theme and visuals converge

[@StudioBinder]

i would say it wasn't well written then

[@imageofimagination3079]

Can I get some black flowers and a salad

[@StudioBinder]

😮

[@TheWorld_2099]

We’re all wondering what is Meta For… Only Zuckerberg can answer that.

[@theCommentDevil]

Metaphor: when one makes a dick joke in a figurative manner

[@StudioBinder]

It can be used in that manner

[@helderoliveira2994]

The spoon doesn't exist

[@StudioBinder]

all in your head

[@RR_DM]

Maybe you're getting too tied down by the notion that it sounds like metamorphosis, it does not really have to do anything with change or the prefix, meta meaning after... time stamp error

[@RR_DM]

x: You're so smary! y: Your mother is very smart...

[@mahmudshihab3771]

Write the names of the cinemas a bit more clear to see.

[@StudioBinder]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@jermeycombs3602]

Can you Guys make 1 Video on Camara Movement and the reason behind such as building a emotional tension, realease tension and Dramatic tension. Also, Motivational and Unmotivated Camara Movement.

[@orphanion9468]

They definitely already have a video on this topic

[@Akireda]

I feel like with your channel, we have no excuse anymore to produce bad movies 🤌

[@StudioBinder]

haha all for the love of cinema