a figure of speech that involves a word or phrase with one literal meaning being used to denote a different object or idea, in a way that suggests some similarity or connection between them;
e.g. She used a metaphor to offer a simple explanation for a complicated concept.
(noun)
an idea, object, or activity that is regarded as being symbolic or representative of something.
e.g. He said that the tree growing in the middle of the lake was a metaphor, but he didn't explain what he meant.