Which line is a metaphor?

• A. Eric is a monster on the field
• B. Grandma clucked like a hen as she fussed over the sick child
• C. The dictionary definition of a word
• D. Buzz!

Answer: (A)

A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a direct comparison by saying one thing is another, to highlight a trait or effect without using like or as. The line about Eric does exactly that: it says Eric is a monster on the field, directly equating him with a monster to convey fierce, dominating play. Since it makes that bold claim without using like or as, it’s a metaphor.

The other lines show different figures of speech or literal language. The grandma line uses like a hen, which makes it a simile rather than a metaphor. The dictionary definition line is literal and straightforward, not figurative. And “Buzz!” is an onomatopoeia, a sound-imitating word, not a comparison.