In English, we use many imaginative expressions to describe things in a more interesting manner. These are known as figurative expressions. In figurative expressions, words are used in a different way.

For example, the eye of a needle is a figurative expression. It is a well-known fact that needles do not have eyes. Nonetheless, here the opening in a needle through which you pass the thread is figuratively described as an eye.

Here are some figurative expressions using the names of the parts of the body.

The mouth of a river

The eye of a needle

The hands of a clock

The head of an organization, an office, a factory etc

The teeth of a comb

The face of a clock

The foot of a hill

An ear of corn (Used to refer to the top part of the plant that produces grain)

The brow of a hill (Used to refer to the top part of the hill)

The neck of a bottle

The back of a chair

A hairline crack / fracture (A very thin crack in a roof)

Complete the following figurative expressions. Choose your answers from the options given in the brackets.

1. The leg of a ………………………… (table / tree / organization)

2. The nose of a ………………………….. (plane / corn / jug)

3. A tongue of ………………………… (flame / needle / corn)

4. The backbone of an …………………………. (organization / river / hill)

5. The foot of the …………………………… (stairs / plane / chair)

Answers

1. The leg of a table; 2. The nose of a plane; 3. A tongue of flame; 4. The backbone of an organization; 5. The foot of the stairs