They fought like cats and dogs. Is this a simile or metaphor and why?

Answer 1

Hi Nancy-- the simple answer is 'simile', because of the presence of the word 'like'.

The main difference and key thing to look out for when you are stuck on a question like this is whether or not the words, "like" or "as" are being used to compare two UNLIKE things.

If they are not present, it is most likely a metaphor. There are MANY exceptions to this short rule, so please feel free to reach out if you are still struggling with this!

Answer 2

Hi Nancy,

The sentence "They fought like cats and dogs" is a simile. The way to distinguish between similes and metaphors often is apparant by the use of "like" or "as" in the sentence. Another indicator of a simile is not only how the sentence paints a picture, which a metaphor does as well, but also the presence of an explanation. The sentence paints a picture for the reader and explains how they fought, "like cats and dogs."

Answer 3

Similes and metaphors are both used to make comparisons, however the wording between similes and metaphors is different. Similes use the words like or as but metaphors use the word is to give a more direct comparison.

Simile

Life is like a game.

Metaphor

Love is a battlefield.

I hope this helped you and if you still need help please look at these videos below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXGhtKJym1U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soP7d3e212k