The List of Figuratives
Here is The List of Figuratives. In traditional analysis, words in figurative expressions connote additional layers of meaning, while words in literal expressions denote what they mean according to common or dictionary usage. When the human ear or eye receives the message, the mind must interpret the data to convert it into meaning.
What are Figuratives? On many occassions, the words may not convey the literal meaning of them. They may convey the indirect meanings which may be just the opposite to their literal meanings. Such symbolical and metaphorical meanings are called Figuratives. They contain the figure of speech.
Let us see few hundreds of such Figuratives here.The Figuratives have been arranged in the alphabetical order. Go to the list by clicking that particular page.
Let us see few examples of Figuratives to make the point clear.
Example-1:
The Phrase Yellow Press does not give the literal meaning that the press which is in Yellow color.On the contrary, it conveys the meaning of The News Papers which publish sensational and unscrupulous stories about crime, sex etc...
Example-2:
The Phrase In the same boat does not convey the literal meaning. It has the figurative meaning that in the same misfortune or circumstances.
Here is the list of Figurative Expressions beginning with F.
Fabian:
Fabian tactics – a policy of wearing down an opponent by delaying action, harassing an enemy by avoiding open battle (Fabius Maximus, Roman Consul, wore down Hannibal by refraining from engaging him in actual battle in the second Punic War.)
Face:
To save one’s face – to avoid disgrace
Fair:
The fairer sex – women
Faith:
Bad faith – dishonest intentions
In good faith – with honest intentions
A breach of faith – to act contrary to what one had professed
Fall:
To fall out – to quarrel
To fall through – to fail
To fall upon – to attack
False:
To sail under false colors – to attempt to deceive
Feather:
A feather in one’s cap – an honor, a distinction
Birds of a feather flock together – People of similar tastes and dispositions crave each other’s company
To feather one’s nest – to provide for the future
To show the white feather – to show signs of cowardice
Fence:
To sit on the fence – to remain neutral, to take neither side in a controversy
Fiddle:
As fit as a fiddle – in excellent health
To play second fiddle – to take a subordinate position
File:
To march in single, or Indian file – to march in a single line, one behind another
Finger:
To have at one’s finger-tips – to know thoroughly
Fire:
To set the Thames on fire – to do something sensational or remarkable
Fire away – Begin; say what you want to say
To spread like wild fire – to circulate (of news) with astonishing speed
A burnt child dreads the fire – one who has had a previous unpleasant experience is always scared of situations where such experiences are likely to be repeated
Fish:
A fish out of water – anyone in an awkward embarrassing situation
Other fish to fry – more important business to attend to
This story is fishy- The truth of the story is doubtful
All is fish that comes to his net – He is not over particular about propriety
Fit:
By fits and starts – spasmodically; not continuous; intermittently
Flare:
To flare up – to fly into a passion
Flash:
A flash in the pan – a sudden, single success
Flog:
To flog a dead horse – to try to revive interest in something already stale and beyond hope of resuscitation
Foot:
To carry one off his feet – to cause one to be intoxicated with admiration
To foot the bill – to pay the bill
To put one’s foot in it – to get into trouble
To put one’s foot down – to put a stop to
Foregone:
A foregone conclusion – a decision arrived at beforehand
Fortune:
Hostages to fortune – one’s wife and children
Foul:
Foul play – unfair dealing in a game, cheating
French:
To take French leave – to go away from company without permission
Fry:
To jump from the frying-pan into the fire – to come out of one trouble and get into a worse
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