metaphor
//ˈmɛtəfɔːr//
Noun
metaphorSingular
metaphorsPlural
1
A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable, implying a comparison without using 'like' or 'as'.
"Time is money" is a common metaphor.
2
A thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract.
The dove is a metaphor for peace.