LessonsImaginative and Implicit Metaphor, Reinforcement, and Critiques of al-SakkakiQuiz

In some accounts of implicit metaphor, the word naming the original subject—such as “death”—remains visible. But another question is whether that word is used in its ordinary sense or is rhetorically treated as a member of the comparison source’s category.

Being overtly mentioned, being a transferred word, and undergoing a claimed expansion are not the same linguistic acts. Conflating them obscures the technical differences between implicit, imaginative, and explicit metaphor.

First identify the expression actually uttered, then the referent intended, and then the role of the clue and source-associated feature.

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Using a subject word versus transferring its meaning

Imaginative and Implicit Metaphor, Reinforcement, and Critiques of al-Sakkaki

In some accounts of implicit metaphor, the word naming the original subject—such as “death”—remains visible. But another question is whether that word is used in its ordinary sense or is rhetorically treated as a member of the comparison source’s category.

Being overtly mentioned, being a transferred word, and undergoing a claimed expansion are not the same linguistic acts. Conflating them obscures the technical differences between implicit, imaginative, and explicit metaphor.

First identify the expression actually uttered, then the referent intended, and then the role of the clue and source-associated feature.