## Creating similes 

The last two examples were similes . These are comparisons between two things using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’, Many clichés are similes and they are often very vivid. However, they are not original and you should avoid them. It is much better to create your own ‘images’ so that your reader will be struck by the originality of your writing. If you want to create a simile using a colour, try to think of something unusual which is that colour. The face of someone who is seasick might be said to be ‘as green as grass’ but ‘as green as the mould at the bottom of an unwashed milk bottle’ is far more original if not very pleasant. 

‘My legs felt like jelly’ is not original although it is apt. The following suggests the same feeling but is more vivid because it is original: 

My legs felt like spaghetti that had just been dipped into boiling water. 

## Producing metaphors 

Metaphors are also comparisons but they are ‘implied’ and do not use ‘like’ or ‘as’. We use metaphorical language a great deal in everyday speech. It is language that is not literally true but cannot be classified as a lie as everyone knows what is meant. Look at the following examples: 

I’m starving. 

He says he’s freezing. 

She’s dying of thirst. 

