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What is a happy-as-up metaphor?

 

Definition
 

A conventional metaphor in which a happy state is represented as an upward position.

Examples
 

Here are some examples in English:

 
  • I'm feeling up.
  • That boosted my spirits.
  • My spirits rose.
  • You're in high spirits.
  • Thinking about her always gives me a lift.
Generic
  A happy-as-up metaphor is a kind of
 
Source
 

Lakoff, G. and Johnson 1980


Context for this page:

Go to SIL home page This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 4.0, published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 1999. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 18 September 1998

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