What defines a metaphor in literature?

A metaphor is defined as a direct comparison between two unlike things without utilizing "like" or "as." This literary device is used to create a more vivid and imaginative description by suggesting that one thing is another, which helps the reader to understand an idea or a feeling in a new way. For example, saying "Time is a thief" implies that time steals moments from our lives, suggesting loss in a creative and thought-provoking manner.

Using a metaphor enhances the depth of writing by allowing readers to make connections and see similarities between disparate concepts. This contrasts with other literary devices such as similes, which make comparisons using "like" or "as," and thus are not classified as metaphors. Understanding this distinction clarifies why the correct definition of a metaphor specifically involves the absence of these words.