Unit 7: Metaphor Unit 7: Metaphor Ẩn dụ trong cấu trúc kết hợp từ When we speak metaphorically, we use words in a non-literal sense. For example, when we say a writer casts light on a situation , we mean that the writer helps us understand it more clearly, in the same way that putting a light on in a dark room helps us see more clearly. A. Metaphors based on the body (Ẩn dụ dựa trên các bộ phận cơ thể) collocation example meaning face (up to) the facts You're never going to run in the Olympics. It's time you faced (up to) the facts . accepted reality shoulder the blame Although others were also responsible for the problem, Sue decided to shoulder the blame . take responsibility for something bad foot the bill Choose what you like from the menu - the company is footing the bill . paying head a team Jo heads a team working on crime prevention. leads a project group keep someone on their toes Having three sons under the age of five keeps Jana on her toes . makes her stay active and concentrated have an eye for Gina has an eye for detail, so ask her to check the report. is good at noticing go hand in hand with Unemployment goes hand in hand with social unrest. happens at the same time or as a result of B. Metaphors based on weight (Ẩn dụ dựa trên trọng lượng) Heavy can be used to mean serious or difficult, as in heavy responsibility . A heavy burden can be either something heavy to carry or a difficult responsibility to deal with, while a heavy book can be either one that weighs a lot or one with difficult content. A weighty tome , however, would only be used to mean a book with difficult content. Similarly in weighty matters or weighty problems , weighty means difficult and serious. Light , the opposite of heavy, can also be used metaphorically to mean carefree or lacking in seriousness. So light reading is reading material that is not serious. If you do something wi...