Comparisons and Descriptions/Some Examples

Some examples

Notice the subtle difference in the following similes and metaphors:

1S) These elements react as fast as lightning.

1M) This reaction is a lightning bolt.

2S) Sitting through that lecture was like watching paint dry.

2M) That lecture was a snorefest.

3S) The two species are as different as night and day.

3M) The two species are black and white.

Note how the metaphors could be interpreted differently to how they are intended (especially 3M, which is supposed to imply the two species are very different from one another, but you could see how people might think the two species are coloured black and white instead).