English Metaphorical Quotes & Sayings

Charles Fillmore has observed (in conversation) that English appears to have two contradictory organizations of time. In the first, the future is in front and the past is behind: In the weeks ahead of us . . . (future) That's all behind us now. (past) In the second, the future is behind and the past is in front: In the following weeks . . . (future) In the preceding weeks . . . (past) This appears to be a contradiction in the metaphorical organization of time. Moreover, the apparently contradictory metaphors can mix with no ill effect, as in We're looking ahead to the following weeks. Here it appears that ahead organizes the future in front, while following organizes it behind. — George Lakoff

An economy made of paper could never be as strong as one of bricks, guns and widgets. — Ivo Stourton

I stared down the slim barrel of a gun, looked into eyes rabid with fear and hatred, and saw my reflection. Pulled the trigger to make it go away.
I heard the echoes of my gunshots, smelled the cordite, and in the smoke, I still saw my reflection and knew I always would. — Dennis Lehane

She has a sour expression on her face (surprise, surprise) — Kasie West

The spoken word is never really effective unless it is backed up by a life, but it is also true that the living deed is never adequate without the support the spoken word can provide. — D. Elton Trueblood

I'm on a never-ending quest to get back on a TV series, and I want to get on 'The Walking Dead.' — Grizz Chapman

In India nearly everybody spoke metaphorically except the English who spoke bluntly and could make their most transparent lies look honest as a consequence; whereas any truth contained in these metaphorical rigmaroles was so deviously presented that it looked devious itself. — Paul Scott

Identities are the beginning of everything. They are how something is recognized and understood. What could be better than that? — Paula Scher

We have decided that we are not inconvenienced by inconvenience. The needs of children come up unexpectedly. We are sure that the Good Samaritan had other plans that fateful day. — Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

You drug me, and then ask me to walk! Frank, you're as unreasonable as an artist. — H.P. Lovecraft

Those who are right do not argue. Those who argue are not right. — Laozi