figure of speech

[ fig-yer uhv speech ]

noun

, Rhetoric.

, plural fig·ures of speech.

1. any expressive use of language, as a metaphor, simile, personification, or antithesis, in which words are used in other than their literal sense, or in other than their ordinary locutions, in order to suggest a picture or image or for other special effect. Compare trope ( def 1 ).

figure of speech

noun

1. an expression of language, such as simile, metaphor, or personification, by which the usual or literal meaning of a word is not employed

Word History and Origins

Origin of figure of speech¹

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

In baseball parlance, that phrase is typically a figure of speech.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s not a figure of speech but a literal description of the situation Neglia inherited.

From Los Angeles Times

He admitted a confrontation occurred with Mr Fisher as he crossed the dance floor to leave, but said his messages about "shanking" him were "just a figure of speech" and had not intended him serious harm.

From BBC

But it’s certainly more than a figure of speech.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is absolutely absurd. I believe that President Biden is aware of this. This is merely a figure of speech to support his incorrect strategy against Russia,” Mr. Putin said, according to Russian state-controlled media.

From Washington Times