The virus has called forth a variety of metaphors, demonstrating again how integral this language tool is to human understanding, and why carefully thought out metaphors belong in all your communications. See below.
To share a feeling… On the frustration of finding ventilators: “It’s like being on eBay with fifty other states, bidding on a ventilator. “Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New Yorker. 4/20/20
To explain a point in time… On the uncertainty of where we are with the virus: “There’s a lot of weather metaphors. People are saying,’This is just a breather before the second wave comes,’ or, ‘Maybe we are in the eye of the hurricane, and that’s why it’s calm.'” The New Yorker. 5/4/20
To show appreciation… On how the virus is affecting frontline health workers differently from others: “We are all in the same storm, but not everyone is in the same boat. Everyone is undoubtedly facing different levels of struggle, but despite your own struggles and the challenges, you, the health care workers, are patching others’ boats, bailing them out, and letting us into your own boat. You are saving us all from going under.” Letter to the Editor. The Daily Freeman. 5/2/20
To set an expectation… On how stopping the spread of the virus will take time: “A runaway train doesn’t stop the instant the track begins to slope uphill, and a rapidly spreading virus doesn’t stop right when herd immunity is attained.” “The Facts on Herd Immunity.” The New York Times. 5/3/20
To concisely nail a point… On the chances for a speedy rebound: “It’s going to take much longer to thaw the economy than it took to freeze it.” Diane Swonk, Economist Grant Thornton. 4/26/20
“To be master of metaphor is everything.” Aristotle
Stay safe.