a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental picture or effect 修辞格；修辞手段 When we talk about ‘selfish’ genes it is just a figure of speech. 我们说“自私”基因，只是在打比方。 When we say we're ‘dead tired’, it's just a figure of speech. 当我们说“累死了”的时候，只是一种修辞方式。