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dead metaphor

noun
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Definition of dead metaphor

: a word or phrase (such as time is running out) that has lost its metaphoric force through common usage

Examples of dead metaphor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This shift reminds us that dead metaphors aren’t always terminally dead. — Rob Nixon, Smithsonian, "Climate Change Can Also Transform Language," 23 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dead metaphor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of dead metaphor

1922, in the meaning defined above

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Time Traveler for dead metaphor

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The first known use of dead metaphor was in 1922

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Cite this Entry

“Dead metaphor.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dead%20metaphor. Accessed 29 January 2020.

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