<P> A dead metaphor is a figure of speech which has lost the original imagery of its meaning due to extensive , repetitive , and popular usage . Because dead metaphors have a conventional meaning that differs from the original , they can be understood without knowing their earlier connotation . Dead metaphors are generally the result of a semantic shift in the evolution of a language , a process called the literalization of a metaphor . A distinction is often made between those dead metaphors whose origins are entirely unknown to the majority of people using them ( such as the expression `` to kick the bucket '' ) and those whose source is widely known or symbolism easily understood but not often thought about ( the idea of `` falling in love '' ) . </P>
<P> A dead metaphor is a figure of speech which has lost the original imagery of its meaning due to extensive , repetitive , and popular usage . Because dead metaphors have a conventional meaning that differs from the original , they can be understood without knowing their earlier connotation . Dead metaphors are generally the result of a semantic shift in the evolution of a language , a process called the literalization of a metaphor . A distinction is often made between those dead metaphors whose origins are entirely unknown to the majority of people using them ( such as the expression `` to kick the bucket '' ) and those whose source is widely known or symbolism easily understood but not often thought about ( the idea of `` falling in love '' ) . </P>
what is an example of a dying metaphor
what is an example of a dying metaphor
`` to kick the bucket ''
`` to kick the bucket ''