Metaphorical Transfer in Arabic Literary Expression

It is the use of a word in a sense other than its literal meaning, based on a similarity relationship, with a clue that prevents the literal meaning. Think of it as 'borrowing' a stronger word to describe a weaker one.

Tashbih (Simile) keeps both parties of the comparison (A is like B). Isti'arah (Metaphor) deletes one of them, claiming A *is* B (or A has B's traits).

The 'Implicit' metaphor. You mention the Subject but hide the Object you are comparing it to, leaving behind a specific trait (clue) of that Object. E.g., 'The flowers *smiled*'.

The 'Explicit' metaphor. You delete the Subject entirely and only mention the Object. E.g., 'The *stars* were walking on the red carpet' (meaning actresses).

The Qarinah is the clue or evidence that tells the listener 'Don't take this literally!' It can be verbal (a word in the sentence) or situational (the context).

Absolutely. Native speakers say things like 'I am drowning in work' (ghariq fi al-shughl) or 'He has a stone heart' (qalb hajar) all the time.

Because it engages the imagination. It forces the listener to bridge the gap between the literal and the intended meaning, creating a stronger mental image.

Technically, yes, if you mean they are stubborn or foolish. It's an Explicit Metaphor (Tasrihiyyah) because you replaced the person with the animal.

The Jami' is the common trait between the two things (like bravery between a man and a lion). In metaphors, this is usually understood, not stated.

Often you translate the meaning, not the word. If Arabic says 'His nose is in the sky' (metaphor for arrogance), English might say 'He is stuck up', though 'nose in the air' works too!

Yes, the Quran is full of them. 'And the morning when it breathes' (81:18) is a classic example of Implicit Metaphor.

You confuse people. If you say 'I rode a horse' meaning 'I drove a fast car' but don't add a clue, people will look for the horse.

Yes! In Arabic, personification (Tashkhis) is almost always an Implicit Metaphor (Makniyyah), where you give human traits to non-human things.

Yes. If you say 'I *flew* to the meeting', the verb 'flew' contains the metaphor (comparing yourself to a bird).

This is an advanced concept where, after making the metaphor, you continue to list traits of the *borrowed* word to strengthen the image. It makes the metaphor deeper.

Yes. White often implies purity or kindness ('White hand' = favor). Black implies darkness or gloom. Green implies blessing.

Not usually. Sarcasm often uses the opposite meaning, whereas Metaphor uses a *similar* meaning. Sarcasm is closer to Kinayah or Irony.

Look for impossible combinations. 'Weeping clouds', 'Laughing swords', 'Talking ruins'. These are the red flags for metaphors.

It depends heavily on the animal. Lion/Falcon/Gazelle = Good. Dog/Donkey/Pig = Bad/Insulting. Snake = Dangerous.

You can, but be careful. 'The lion flew into the ocean' is confusing. Usually, stick to one image at a time for clarity.

Recognizing the Makniyyah (Implicit) type, because the main image isn't there—only a trace of it is left. It requires vocabulary knowledge.