Lit terms

Metonymy

A figure of speech in which one object or idea takes the place of another with which it has a close association.

Silver screen

An example of metonymy referring to the film industry.

Euphemism

A figure of speech used to replace a word or phrase that is related to a concept that might make others uncomfortable.

Idiom

A saying or expression whose figurative meaning differs from its literal meaning, unique to its language of origin.

Off the hook

A common idiom in English that exemplifies figurative language.

Dramatic Foil

A literary device that shows the qualities of one character through the comparison and contrast of another character.

Cacophony

Literally, a mixture of harsh and inharmonious sounds, used in literature to describe the effect of sharp, harsh, unmelodious sounds.

Euphony

The use of words and phrases distinguished by a pleasing melody, derived from the Greek word meaning 'sweet-voiced'.

Sibilance

A literary device involving the use of strongly stressed consonants that produce hissing sounds, often represented by the 's' sound.

Allegory

Motif