poetic devices. Though the skills are related, I find that it is easier to understand these concepts in separate units. This page focuses exclusively on figurative language techniques.HyperboleHyperbole is when the writer or speaker exaggerates for emphasis or effect. Examples of hyperbole:1. Yeah, I already beat that game 80,000 years ago.2. Nobody listens to that song anymore.3. Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age.4. These shoes are killing me.Be conscious of the fact that hyperbole is often confused with understatement (saying too little or minimizing the effect of a statement).IdiomIdioms are commonly used figurative expressions. Idiom is not a distinct figurative language technique. Rather, most idioms are similes, metaphors, hyperbole, or other figurative language techniques. For example, the idiom Im so hungry that I could eat a horse, is actually an example of hyperbole. And the idiom, dropping like flies, is actually a simile. What separates an idiom from its original technique, however, is that idioms have been so commonly used that they became incorporated into the colloquial lexicon of native language speakers. In other words, native speakers use them so much that they dont even know that they are using figurative language. Here are some idiom examples:1. Bobs new corner office was just the icing on the cake (metaphor).2. After eating candy, Billy ran around like a chicken with his head cut off (simile).3. That new car cost an arm and a leg (hyperbole).5. Tom said that he changed but actions speak louder than words (personification).Idioms are generally used so frequently by native language speakers that it often goes unnoticed that figurative language is even being used. When someone is learning a new language, one of the milestones of progress is when the learner begins to understand and use the language idiomatically or colloquially.MetaphorMetaphor is a comparison between two dissimilar things without using the word like or as to make the comparison. Here are some example metaphors:1. The path of resentment is easier to travel than the road to forgiveness.PersonificationPersonification is when the speaker or writer gives human characteristics, qualities, or traits to an object or idea. IHere are some examples of personification:1. The moon turned over to face the day.SimileSimiles are comparisons between two unlike things using the word like or as. Here are some examples of simile:1. My mothers kitchen was like a holy place: you couldnt wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally wed pray.UnderstatementUnderstatements are when the speaker or writer express an idea with significantly less force than is expected or would be required to accurately describe an idea. Understatement can be understood as the opposite of hyperbole. In hyperbole, the statement goes too far; whereas in understatement, the statement does not go far enough. Understatement can be used to downplay a negative or to be humorous.Here are some example understatements:1.It might take her a little while to get over her husbands affair. Activities Decide if the sentences below use literal or figurative language. Then, place an L or an F before each one.____ 1. Eric