Metonymy and Proverb

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Metonymy

 

It is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name of something else with which it is closely associated. We can come across examples of metonymy both from literature and in everyday life.

Examples of Metonymy in Everyday Life

We use metonymy frequently in our everyday life. For a better understanding, let us observe a few metonymy examples:

• England decides to keep check on immigration. (England refers to the government.)
• The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen refers to written words and sword to military force.)
• The Oval Office was busy in work. (“The Oval Office” is a metonymy as it stands for people at work in the office.)
• Let me give you a hand. (Hand means help.)

Proverb

Proverbs and sayings are short statements of wisdom or advice that are transmitted from generation to generation and have passed into general use. A proverb is a short statement usually known by many people. It states something that is common experience or gives advice. Here are some examples.

The best things in life are free."

 We don't have to pay for the things that are really valuable, like love,  friendship and good health.

 "A stitch in time saves nine."

Repair something as soon as it is damaged. That's a small repair job. If not, you will have a much bigger and more expensive repair job later. 

"Still waters run deep."

Some rivers have rough surfaces with waves. That's usually because the water  is shallow and there are rocks near the surface. But deep rivers have no rocks near the surface and the water is smooth and still. "Still waters run deep"  means that people who are calm and tranquil on the outside, often have a strong,  "deep" personality.

"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach."

Many women have won a man's love by cooking delicious meals for him. They fed  his stomach and found love in his heart.

References :

http://literarydevices.net/metonymy/

http://www.learn-english-today.com/proverbs/proverbs.html

http://semantic-introduction.weebly.com/proverbs.html