I love learning the word that describes word patterns.
We use METONYMY when we substitute the name of an attribute or feature for the name of the person, place or thing itself.
When I say I like to read Hiaasen, I am substituting the author for the collection of books he has written.
When someone says a Smokey Bear is on the road - they typically mean a state trooper.
Here are some other familiar phrases using metonymy:
Fifty head of cattle - “head” singular is used to refer to the herd
Digging your own grave - causing yourself trouble
Blowing your own horn - bragging about your accomplishments
We need some new faces around here - meaning new people
Lend me your ears - meaning listen
Don’t get hot under the collar - meaning anger
All hands on deck - meaning people
She saved his skin - meaning his life
The pen is mightier than the sword - meaning writing and military force respectively
He is a man of the cloth - meaning a clergyman
A waitress might say: The chicken sandwich didn’t leave a tip - meaning the customer
The family has a Peter Max on their wall - meaning a piece of art made by Peter Max
Leaf peeping - meaning to travel through New England in early autumn
I just heard one yesterday: “You did the Martha Stewart on this party.” What do you think the speaker meant?
How many examples of METONYMY can you come up with?