Some people say they are “drowning in work,” describe a difficult relationship as a “roller coaster” or explain a stressful period by saying they are “carrying the weight of the world.” Others rarely speak this way, preferring direct, literal descriptions. Why do some people seem to turn almost everything into a metaphor?
Psychology says frequent metaphor use can reflect more than a colorful vocabulary. It may involve the way someone organizes abstract experiences, communicates emotions, makes connections between unrelated ideas and helps other people understand what they mean. But it does not automatically indicate intelligence, creativity or a particular personality type.
