Table 1 The literal and metaphorical meanings associated with lexical metaphor
Expressions of lexical metaphor | Literal meanings | Metaphorical meanings | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Experiential meaning | Field | Experiential meaning | Field | |
Bid | offer (a certain price) for something, especially at an auction, stock exchange, or card games; make an effort or attempt to achieve | Betting | Feeney voting for the seat of Batman | Election |
Party-machine/ party machine | A machine is a tool containing one or more parts that uses energy to perform an intended action. Machines are usually powered by mechanical, chemical, thermal, or electrical means, and are often motorized. | Industry | the Labor party | Institution |
Trifecta | In American and Australian horse racing terminology, a trifecta is a pari-mutuel bet in which the bettor must predict which horses will finish first, second, and third in exact order. | Betting | Feeney’s real-life experience for representing Labor in parliament | Experience |
Blow | a hard hit in boxing which is a combat sport in which two people engage in a contest of strength, speed, reflexes, endurance, and will, by throwing punches with gloved hands against each other | Betting | Ferguson’s decision influences the Labor Party | People |
DNA | DNA is a molecule that encodes the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and many viruses. | People | spirit of co-operation in the national interest in Labor | Institution |
Exclusive club | belonging to or catering for a privileged minority, esp. a fashionable clique | People | Labor members | People |
Operatives | a worker, esp. one with a special skill | People | Labor members | People |
Cloistered | secluded or shut up from the world; living in a monastery or nunnery | People | Labor members | People |
Languish | to lose or diminish in strength or energy | People | Labor government | Institution |
Quarantined | Quarantine is used to separate and restrict the movement of well persons who may have been exposed to a communicable disease to see if they become ill. | People | the seat of Batman | Institution |