<i>There is value in communicating figuratively and&#x2F;or with metaphors. When creatively solving problems, looking for trends or drawing a hypothesis out of the ether, it is often desirable to avoid specifics.</i><p>I raised a couple of incredibly pedantic sons. I am someone prone to using metaphors and communicating figuratively. I learned to up my game and use more accurate metaphors that do not count on the audience already having a good idea of what I am talking about so as to let me get away with real hand-wavy, vague comparisons.<p>My oldest is pretty aspie. In trying to explain anger and social stuff to him, I once tried to talk about anger being like fire and explosions. He knew too much science and not enough social skills. It resulted in him leaping to bizarre conclusions (think: &quot;If you rub two people together, they ignite&quot; type conclusions). I was all &quot;Uhhh. No. Forget I said anything. Let me think about this and get back to you.&quot;<p>If your figure of speech or metaphor is not horrendously sloppy, it can still be used here. If you are getting a lot of flack here for such things, consider the possibility that simply isn&#x27;t a great comparison point and try to think more clearly about the subject and come up with a better means to express it.<p>HN can be kind of rough to adjust to at first. So I do have sympathy. But, in general, the overall intent of such practices here is to improve accuracy and level of discussion. It mostly isn&#x27;t just asshattery.<p>And welcome to HN!