It is a metaphor -- two metaphors, in fact. (Note the spelling metaphor .) It doesn't make sense out of context, of course, but in the right context it could be meaningful. CJ

a debenture is one of those clever 'derivative' loans, which have to be repaid. sometimes the borrower who issues the loan (like AIG) hasn't the quality they were meant to have and have more dubious integrity than joe public 'used

Hi, what are the missing words to these metaphors? " as funny as a _crutch __?" "as quick as a _ flash/wink _?" I don't hear this much any more. Clive

what are the missing words to these metaphors? " as funny as a ___?" "as quick as a __?"

It comes from William Barrett Travis, the commander at the Battle of the Alamo. How Mr Pedantic uses the reasoning it may not be from there because the Mexicans would then leave is completely nonsensical. Travis drew the line in the sand

First of all, explain what a metaphor is. Can you define it? Second, have you read that work by Browning? These are the two things you have to do before you can even begin. CJ

What are some metaphors in Robert Browning's " My Last Duchess" ?

I understand exactly the meaning of a metaphor about someone who lost with a map, above. If somebody really needs help, just help him. Not with a suggest. If somebody falls from a cliff and ask for a help, just help him, not with a suggest :

The original poster does not yet know what a 'map' represents, to borrow your metaphor, so he is unable yet to ask directions on it. 'Look' is not passive voice. 'Look a book' is not yet English. It is necessary for the original poster to review

Shanoorsa, I would say the second sentence is perfectly acceptable grammatically and may even be preferred contextually. Have a look at Gleb's excellent comment on narrative structure and the effect of putting the active ingredient of the