Metaphors

In a metaphor, a term or expression is used in a non-literal sense in order to suggest a similarity. Many non-native speakers understand common metaphors. For example, the following metaphors are common in speech and are seldom thought of as being metaphorical:

▸ Ahandful of companies have refined VCSEL technology so that it is cheaper, faster, and more versatile.

▸ The topic was tabled until more input could be obtained from Marketing.

Nevertheless, translation is easier if you stick to literal uses of language:

A few companies have refined VCSEL technology so that it is cheaper, faster, and more versatile.

The topic was postponed until more input could be obtained from Marketing.

Uncommon metaphors add zest to your writing, but they baffle non-native speakers, and they are very difficult to translate:

The new model was designed to overcome the limitations of the vanilla CALS model.

The new model was designed to overcome the limitations of the standard CALS model.

You must install the Java plug-in on client machines before running applets that require it. This requirement is palatable for installed products or intranet solutions, but the price may be too high for some thin-client reports.

If you use a Java plug-in, then you must install the plug-in on client machines before running applets that require it. This requirement is not a problem for installed products or intranet solutions, but you might want to use a different approach for some thin-client reports.

A closer look under the hood reveals that each browser supports different implementations of the Java Runtime Environment.

Each browser supports different implementations of the Java Runtime Environment.