Advanced English: How to Use Building Metaphors in English
English is a wonderful language. I hope we all agree on that. Something I especially love about English is how metaphorical a lot of its vocabulary is and how this type of language can be used to create images in your audience’s mind (let’s say if you are giving a speech in English). Someone who knows how to use the right metaphorical language to elicit positive associations, might, for example, have more success both in their personal and professional lives. Language - setting the right tone (=setting the right mood by using the right tone) - can convince a potential client that they should work with you. It can open doors (=create opportunities) and, of course, wrongly applied, close them as well. With metaphorical language, we need to know how to use it and also be aware of its cultural implications.
Every culture tells itself different stories, and in the United States if you want to succeed, many of these stories are about hope, overcoming obstacles, lots of positivity and perseverance. To convey such a message, there are several types of metaphors that come in handy (=are practical). And today, we will talk about building metaphors. Phrases literally used to describe the process of constructing a building; culturally this conveys overcoming obstacles and a look towards the future. Think of, e.g. the mythical implications of the skyline of Manhattan: a symbol of ingenuity and perseverance; of a drive to build and succeed, and to show off your success (=boast of your success).
Now let’s dive into our English vocabulary examples:
1. So we can use cement to make buildings stronger. In English, we can also use it to make relationships stronger:
To cement their relationship, they decided to go out for drinks after the meeting.
2. A gateway can provide access to a building. It can, however, also provide access in a metaphorical way:
Her law degree was a gateway to a well-paid job.
Our company can serve as a gateway to the European market.
3. You can open the door for someone, but opening the door can also mean: Her networking skills opened the door to a lot of job opportunities.
Knowing English very well opens doors when it comes to finding work.
4. If you can open a door, you can also close it:
Our new CEO will give us the opportunity to close the door on our past as a company. Now, we are only looking towards the future, and the future is bright.
5. We can use doors as metaphors, so keys can be used as metaphors as well: This research may provide/hold the key to developing a cure for COVID.
Networking is key to success.
The key strategy for our company is to expand.
Key is often used with the following words: point, question, role, decision, reason, difference, element, factor, feature, issue, moment, part, player.
6. When you are building a house, you first need to lay the groundwork/foundation for the house. Well, metaphorically, you can do so as well:
Her company’s success laid the foundation for her future as a consultant.
Before we start with the project, we will need to lay the groundwork for strong relationships with government officials in the region.
A foundation can also serve as the basis of your research, for example.
7. You can build a house on the foundation you laid. You can also build on previous success. And here is another example: We will need to build on your efforts by scheduling more meetings with them.
8. The base of a house is its foundation and, of course, you can base your argument on thorough analysis. Your assessment can be based on what you saw.
9. When you start constructing a new building, you can have a groundbreaking ceremony. Your research can be groundbreaking as well.
