What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is indeed a figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly, without the use of "like" or "as." This comparison suggests that one thing is another, often highlighting deeper meanings or characteristics shared between the two. For example, saying "Time is a thief" implies that time steals moments from our lives, creating a vivid image and conveying the idea that time can take away experiences just as a thief would take possessions.

The essence of a metaphor lies in its ability to succinctly express complex ideas or emotions through figurative language, allowing readers to make connections and understand concepts in imaginative ways. This contrasts with other figures of speech like similes, which do make comparisons using "like" or "as," or hyperbole, which emphasizes ideas through exaggeration. Thus, the definition aligns perfectly with the characteristics of how metaphors function in language.