What are Metaphors in English language? 

Implied metaphors, mixed metaphors, dead metaphors are considered as special cases of metaphor. More than special cases, these are more of different ways in which the concept of metaphor is applied and interpreted in English language.

A Metaphor is made up of four things:

·       Tenor

·       Vehicle

·       Ground

·       Tension

A tenor refers to the thing being described, and a vehicle is the thing it's being compared to. Shared characteristics are the ground that connect them. Tension is the difference between the tenor and the vehicle, which helps create a vivid comparison.

A dead metaphor occurs when the original meaning of the comparison is lost either due to excessive repetition or a semantic shift (words losing or changing their initial meaning over time). For example: Roll up the window (Originally referring to the action of rolling up a window in a car, it now refers to closing a window in general).

This is an example of Standard metaphor which compares the two things directly. This metaphor 'Laughter is a medicine for the soul', compares laughter with medicine that cures and helps keeping good health.