Writing Book 4 · Lesson 22
Metaphors and idioms — meet the words
Some meanings live in a group of words, not in any one of them.
The words
in the light of
because we now know
gain ground
become more common
come to light
become known
a sharp rise
a fast increase
open the door to
make possible
Watch how it is built
1in the light of means about the same as because we now know.
In the light of the data, we changed the plan.
2a broad range means about the same as many kinds.
A broad range of plants were tested.
3gain ground means about the same as become more common.
The idea has gained ground.
Two ways to say it
✗ In the light of the data, we changed the plan. — this is not wrong, but it is everyday talk.
✓ In the light of the data, we changed the plan. — this is how a writer says it.
Ask yourself: “Does the meaning survive if I change one word?”
Remember
Figures of speech are not decoration.
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