Metonymy is a figure of speech in which one word is put for another that suggests it. For example:

The ballot is more powerful than the bullet. Who steals my purse steals trash. We are reading Longfellow.

Exercise

441. In class, turn the following figurative language into literal statements. State which version you prefer, and why.

1. Bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.

2. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread.

3. They always set a good table.

4. Three cheers for the red, white, and blue!

5. The lamp is burning.

6. The chair called the house to order.

7. Is the kettle boiling ?