“She is fishing in troubled waters.” what type of figurative language is this? Alliteration Metaphor Personification Simile Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Paradox
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is metaphor.
A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” In this case, the phrase “fishing in troubled waters” is a metaphor because it does not literally mean the person is fishing in water that is troubled. Instead, it compares a situation where someone is involved in something risky, uncertain, or problematic to the idea of fishing in troubled (rough or dangerous) waters. The waters represent a challenging or precarious situation, and fishing in them implies that the person is engaging in an action that could be risky or potentially lead to trouble.
This expression uses metaphor to convey the idea that the person is involved in a difficult or complicated situation, often one where they may not be fully in control or are seeking something in a volatile or unstable environment. It is not to be taken literally, and there is no use of “like” or “as,” which would be characteristic of a simile. By comparing the person’s actions to something potentially dangerous (fishing in troubled waters), the metaphor enhances the meaning and emotional impact of the statement, providing deeper insight into the situation without needing a detailed explanation.
Metaphors like this are commonly used in both everyday language and literature to express complex ideas or situations more vividly and with greater emotional resonance. They allow for a richer, more layered understanding of the subject matter.