Figurative Beauty: Mastering Metaphors For Describing Loveliness

Beauty, an abstract concept, often defies straightforward description. To capture its essence, we turn to metaphors, powerful figures of speech that allow us to express the intangible through comparisons with the tangible.

Understanding and utilizing metaphors for beauty enhances our descriptive abilities, making our language more vivid and evocative. This article delves into the world of metaphors for beauty, exploring their types, structures, and usage.

Whether you’re a student, a writer, or simply someone who appreciates the art of language, this guide will equip you with the tools to articulate beauty with greater precision and creativity.

This comprehensive exploration will cover everything from basic definitions and structural breakdowns to advanced usage tips and common pitfalls. Through numerous examples and practice exercises, you’ll gain a solid understanding of how to effectively employ metaphors to describe beauty in various contexts.

Introduction
Definition of Metaphor for Beauty
Structural Breakdown of Beauty Metaphors
Types of Metaphors Used for Describing Beauty
Examples of Metaphors for Beauty
Usage Rules for Metaphors of Beauty
Common Mistakes When Using Metaphors for Beauty
Practice Exercises
Advanced Topics in Beauty Metaphors
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

Definition of Metaphor for Beauty

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things, asserting that one is the other, to highlight a shared quality. When applied to beauty, metaphors allow us to describe something aesthetically pleasing by associating it with something else that embodies similar qualities. These metaphors are not literal; instead, they create a vivid image or feeling in the reader’s mind.

The function of a metaphor for beauty is to enhance the description, making it more impactful and memorable. By drawing a comparison, we can convey the essence of beauty in a way that simple adjectives often fail to do.

Consider, for example, saying someone is “as beautiful as a rose.” Here, the rose, universally recognized for its beauty, transfers its qualities of elegance, color, and fragrance to the person being described.

Metaphors for beauty can be found in various contexts, including literature, poetry, song lyrics, and everyday conversation. They are particularly prevalent in creative writing, where authors seek to evoke strong emotions and paint vivid pictures with their words.

However, they also appear in less formal settings, adding color and depth to our daily interactions.

Structural Breakdown of Beauty Metaphors

Understanding the structure of a metaphor helps in crafting effective and impactful descriptions. A typical metaphor consists of two main elements: the tenor and the vehicle. The tenor is the subject being described (in our case, the beautiful person or thing), and the vehicle is the object or concept used to represent the tenor. The connection between the tenor and vehicle is the shared quality or characteristic, often referred to as the ground.

For instance, in the metaphor “Her smile was sunshine,” the tenor is “her smile,” the vehicle is “sunshine,” and the ground is the quality of warmth, brightness, and happiness that both share. The structure can be represented as: Tenor (Smile) = Vehicle (Sunshine) because of Ground (Warmth, Brightness, Happiness).

Another critical element is the context. The effectiveness of a metaphor depends heavily on the context in which it is used. A metaphor that resonates in one situation might fall flat in another. Therefore, it’s important to consider the audience, the tone, and the overall purpose of the communication when choosing a metaphor.

Types of Metaphors Used for Describing Beauty

Metaphors for beauty can be categorized based on the source of the vehicle—the object or concept used for comparison. Common categories include nature metaphors, light metaphors, celestial metaphors, art metaphors, music metaphors, and precious stone metaphors.

Nature Metaphors

Nature provides a rich source of metaphors for beauty, drawing on the inherent aesthetic qualities of plants, animals, and landscapes. These metaphors often evoke feelings of serenity, vitality, and harmony.

Examples: Rose, dawn, forest, river, mountain.

Light Metaphors

Light metaphors utilize the qualities of brightness, radiance, and illumination to describe beauty. They often convey a sense of purity, clarity, and enlightenment.

Examples: Sunshine, starlight, candlelight, firelight, moonbeam.

Celestial Metaphors

Celestial metaphors draw on the grandeur and mystique of the cosmos to describe beauty. They often evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and timelessness.

Examples: Star, moon, galaxy, comet, aurora.

Art Metaphors

Art metaphors compare beauty to various forms of artistic expression, such as painting, sculpture, and dance. They often convey a sense of skill, creativity, and refinement.

Examples: Masterpiece, sculpture, painting, symphony, ballet.

Music Metaphors

Music metaphors use the qualities of harmony, melody, and rhythm to describe beauty. They often evoke feelings of emotion, grace, and fluidity.

Examples: Symphony, melody, harmony, song, rhythm.

Precious Stone Metaphors

Precious stone metaphors draw on the rarity, brilliance, and value of gemstones to describe beauty. They often convey a sense of elegance, luxury, and refinement.

Examples: Diamond, ruby, emerald, sapphire, pearl.

Examples of Metaphors for Beauty

The following tables provide extensive examples of metaphors for beauty, organized by category to illustrate their diverse applications. Each table includes a sentence using the metaphor and a brief explanation of its meaning.

Table 1: Nature Metaphors for Beauty

This table showcases how elements of nature can be used to describe beauty, drawing on their inherent qualities of grace, strength, and vibrancy.

Metaphor	Example Sentence	Explanation
Rose	Her cheeks were roses blooming in the spring.	Her cheeks were as red and beautiful as roses.
Dawn	Her smile was the dawn breaking over a dark sea.	Her smile brought light and hope, like the beginning of a new day.
Forest	Her hair was a dark, mysterious forest.	Her hair was thick, abundant, and alluring.
River	Her voice was a flowing river, soothing and constant.	Her voice was pleasant and calming, like the sound of a river.
Mountain	Her spirit was a mountain, strong and unyielding.	Her spirit was resilient and unwavering.
Lily	She was a lily among thorns.	She stood out as pure and beautiful amidst harsh surroundings.
Sunflower	Her face was a sunflower, always turned towards the light.	Her face was radiant and full of joy.
Willow	Her movements were as graceful as a willow in the wind.	Her movements were fluid and elegant.
Ocean	Her eyes were a deep, mesmerizing ocean.	Her eyes were captivating and full of depth.
Butterfly	She flitted about like a butterfly, light and carefree.	She moved with grace and ease.
Songbird	Her voice was that of a songbird, filling the room with melody.	Her voice was beautiful and enchanting.
Rainbow	Her presence was a rainbow after the storm.	Her presence brought joy and hope after a difficult time.
Starfish	She was a starfish, resilient and beautiful despite the challenges.	She was strong and adaptable.
Vine	Her influence was like a vine, gently wrapping around their hearts.	Her influence was subtle but powerful.
Desert Bloom	She was a desert bloom, a rare and unexpected beauty.	She was unique and remarkable.
Moonflower	Her beauty was like a moonflower, blooming only at night.	Her beauty was mysterious and alluring.
Maple Leaf	Her dress was the color of a vibrant maple leaf in autumn.	Her dress was a rich, warm color.
Pine Tree	He stood tall and strong, like a pine tree against the winter sky.	He was resilient and steadfast.
Wildflower	She was a wildflower, untamed and beautiful in her own way.	She was independent and naturally beautiful.
Babbling Brook	Her laughter was like a babbling brook, cheerful and refreshing.	Her laughter was lighthearted and pleasant.
Summer Breeze	Her touch was like a summer breeze, gentle and comforting.	Her touch was soothing and pleasant.
Rolling Hills	Her life was like rolling hills, full of ups and downs but always beautiful.	Her life had its challenges but was overall fulfilling.
Crystal Stream	Her thoughts were like a crystal stream, clear and pure.	Her thoughts were transparent and untainted.
Snowflake	Each of her ideas was unique, like a snowflake.	Her ideas were individual and special.

Table 2: Light Metaphors for Beauty

This table illustrates how light can be used metaphorically to describe beauty, emphasizing qualities of radiance, clarity, and warmth.

Metaphor	Example Sentence	Explanation
Sunshine	Her smile was sunshine on a cloudy day.	Her smile brought happiness and warmth.
Starlight	Her eyes were like starlight, twinkling and bright.	Her eyes were captivating and full of light.
Candlelight	Her skin glowed like candlelight in the dim room.	Her skin had a soft, warm radiance.
Firelight	Her hair was the color of firelight, warm and inviting.	Her hair had a reddish-golden hue.
Moonbeam	Her face was bathed in a soft moonbeam.	Her face had a gentle, ethereal glow.
Daybreak	Her laughter was like daybreak, chasing away the shadows.	Her laughter was refreshing and filled with hope.
Twilight	Her beauty was like twilight, mysterious and enchanting.	Her beauty was captivating and slightly enigmatic.
Glimmer	There was a glimmer of hope in her eyes.	Her eyes showed a small but noticeable amount of hope.
Spark	She had a spark of genius in her mind.	She had a natural intelligence.
Radiance	Her radiance filled the room.	Her beauty and presence were captivating.
Glow	The pregnancy gave her skin a natural glow.	Her skin appeared healthy and vibrant.
Beam	He gave her a beam of encouragement.	He offered her a bright and supportive expression.
Flash	A flash of insight illuminated her face.	A sudden understanding became clear on her face.
Luster	Her jewelry added luster to her outfit.	Her jewelry made her outfit more elegant.
Aura	She had an aura of confidence about her.	She exuded self-assurance.
Shimmer	The sequins on her dress gave it a beautiful shimmer.	The sequins created a sparkling effect on her dress.
Halo	The light behind her created a halo effect.	The light formed a ring around her head, like a halo.
Gleam	There was a gleam of excitement in his eyes.	His eyes showed a sparkle of anticipation.
Flicker	A flicker of doubt crossed her face.	A fleeting moment of uncertainty appeared on her face.
Brilliance	The brilliance of her mind was evident in her every word.	Her intelligence was clear in her speech.
Dazzle	Her beauty could dazzle anyone who looked at her.	Her beauty was so striking that it could overwhelm.
Luminosity	The luminosity of her skin was remarkable.	Her skin had an exceptional radiance.
Effulgence	The effulgence of her spirit shone through her actions.	The brilliance of her spirit was apparent in everything she did.
Incandescence	Her incandescence captivated the audience.	Her radiant presence captivated the audience.

Table 3: Celestial Metaphors for Beauty

This table explores how celestial bodies and phenomena can be used as metaphors for beauty, highlighting their grandeur, mystery, and timelessness.

Metaphor	Example Sentence	Explanation
Star	She was a shining star in the entertainment world.	She was a prominent and admired figure.
Moon	Her face was like the moon, serene and luminous.	Her face had a calm and gentle glow.
Galaxy	Her eyes were a galaxy of swirling emotions.	Her eyes were deep and complex, reflecting a multitude of feelings.
Comet	She entered the room like a comet, leaving everyone in awe.	She made a grand and unforgettable entrance.
Aurora	Her presence was like the aurora borealis, breathtaking and ethereal.	Her presence was stunning and otherworldly.
Constellation	Her achievements were a constellation of successes.	Her accomplishments were numerous and impressive.
Planet	She was the center of his universe, his guiding planet.	She was the most important person in his life.
Nebula	Her thoughts were like a nebula, vast and ever-expanding.	Her thoughts were complex and constantly evolving.
Cosmos	Her spirit was as boundless as the cosmos.	Her spirit was limitless and expansive.
Supernova	Her talent exploded like a supernova onto the scene.	Her talent made a sudden and dramatic impact.
Equinox	Her life was in perfect balance, like the equinox.	Her life was harmonious and well-balanced.
Solstice	Her joy was at its peak, like the summer solstice.	Her joy was at its highest point.
Orbit	He was always in her orbit, drawn to her energy.	He was always near her, attracted to her presence.
Lunar Eclipse	Her sadness was a lunar eclipse, a temporary darkening of her light.	Her sadness was a brief period of diminished joy.
Solar Flare	Her anger erupted like a solar flare.	Her anger was sudden and intense.
Meteor Shower	Her ideas came in a meteor shower of brilliance.	Her ideas were rapid, innovative, and impressive.
Milky Way	Her memories were like the Milky Way, a vast and shimmering expanse.	Her memories were extensive and full of beauty.
Zenith	Her career reached its zenith with this performance.	Her career reached its highest point.
Nadir	He felt he had reached the nadir of his despair.	He felt he had reached the lowest point of his despair.
Celestial Sphere	Her influence extended across the celestial sphere of her industry.	Her influence affected every aspect of her industry.
Heavenly Body	She moved with the grace of a heavenly body.	She moved with exceptional elegance.
Ethereal	Her beauty was ethereal, almost otherworldly.	Her beauty seemed to belong to another realm.
Stardust	She was made of stardust and dreams.	She was magical and full of potential.
Cosmic Dance	Their love was a cosmic dance, perfectly synchronized.	Their love was harmonious and destined.

Table 4: Art & Music Metaphors for Beauty

Here we see how the realms of art and music can be used metaphorically to describe beauty, focusing on qualities of harmony, skill, and emotional depth.

Metaphor	Example Sentence	Explanation
Masterpiece	She was a masterpiece of natural beauty.	She possessed exceptional and flawless beauty.
Sculpture	His body was a sculpture, chiseled and strong.	His physique was well-defined and powerful.
Painting	Her face was a painting, with delicate features and vibrant colors.	Her face had a harmonious blend of features and complexion.
Symphony	Her life was a symphony of experiences, both joyful and sorrowful.	Her life was a rich and complex tapestry of events.
Ballet	Her movements were like a ballet, graceful and precise.	Her movements were elegant and refined.
Sonata	Their conversation was a sonata, a harmonious exchange of ideas.	Their conversation was fluid and well-balanced.
Chorus	Her laughter was a chorus of joy.	Her laughter was collective and delightful.
Etching	Her features were as finely etched as a classical artwork.	Her features were detailed and refined.
Palette	Her emotions were a palette of complex shades.	Her emotions were varied and nuanced.
Rhapsody	Her performance was a rhapsody of emotion.	Her performance was deeply moving and expressive.
Cadence	The cadence of her speech was soothing and rhythmic.	The rhythm of her speech was calm and pleasant.
Composition	Her outfit was a perfect composition of style and elegance.	Her outfit was a well-balanced and harmonious combination.
Fresco	Her beauty was timeless, like a fresco on an ancient wall.	Her beauty was enduring and classic.
Improvisation	Her dance was an improvisation of pure joy.	Her dance was spontaneous and full of happiness.
Libretto	Her life story could be a libretto for a moving opera.	Her life story was dramatic and emotionally rich.
Opera	Her performance was an opera of passion and skill.	Her performance was dramatic and technically brilliant.
Pantomime	Her expressions were a pantomime of feelings.	Her expressions clearly conveyed her emotions.
Quartet	Their voices blended in a perfect quartet of harmony.	Their voices created a balanced and beautiful sound.
Refrain	Her kindness was a constant refrain in her interactions.	Her kindness was a recurring and consistent quality.
Score	Her life was a complex score of triumphs and challenges.	Her life was a detailed and intricate journey.

Table 5: Precious Stone Metaphors for Beauty

This table shows how the rarity and brilliance of precious stones can be used metaphorically to describe beauty, emphasizing qualities of elegance, value, and refinement.

Metaphor	Example Sentence	Explanation
Diamond	Her eyes were diamonds, sparkling with intelligence.	Her eyes were bright and full of wit.
Ruby	Her lips were rubies, red and luscious.	Her lips were a vibrant and attractive red.
Emerald	Her dress was the color of emeralds, rich and vibrant.	Her dress was a deep, luxurious green.
Sapphire	His eyes were sapphires, deep and captivating.	His eyes were a striking and alluring blue.
Pearl	Her skin was like a pearl, smooth and luminous.	Her skin was flawless and radiant.
Opal	Her moods were like an opal, shifting and iridescent.	Her moods were complex and ever-changing.
Jade	Her spirit was like jade, serene and enduring.	Her spirit was calm and resilient.
Topaz	Her laughter was like a topaz, bright and cheerful.	Her laughter was lighthearted and joyful.
Garnet	Her passion burned like a garnet, deep and intense.	Her passion was strong and profound.
Amethyst	Her wisdom was like an amethyst, calming and insightful.	Her wisdom was soothing and perceptive.
Crystal	Her thoughts were as clear as crystal.	Her thoughts were transparent and pure.
Amber	Her memories were like amber, preserving moments in time.	Her memories were precious and well-preserved.
Turquoise	Her jewelry was the color of turquoise, bright and vibrant.	Her jewelry was a striking blue-green hue.
Aquamarine	Her eyes were the color of aquamarine, clear and refreshing.	Her eyes were a light, calming blue.
Peridot	Her energy was like a peridot, bright and invigorating.	Her energy was lively and refreshing.
Zircon	Her brilliance shone like a zircon.	Her intelligence was radiant and clear.
Quartz	Her intentions were as pure as quartz.	Her intentions were honest and untainted.
Obsidian	Her gaze was as intense as obsidian.	Her gaze was powerful and penetrating.
Moonstone	Her beauty was as ethereal as a moonstone.	Her beauty was delicate and otherworldly.
Sunstone	Her warmth was as radiant as a sunstone.	Her warmth was comforting and bright.

Usage Rules for Metaphors of Beauty

Using metaphors effectively requires careful consideration of several rules. First, ensure the metaphor is appropriate for the context. A metaphor that works in a poem might not be suitable for a business presentation. Second, the metaphor should be clear and understandable to the audience. Avoid obscure references or overly complex comparisons.

Third, maintain consistency within the metaphor. Mixing metaphors can create confusion and weaken the impact. For example, avoid saying “Her voice was a flowing river that also sparkled like diamonds.” This combines two distinct metaphors (river and diamonds) in a way that doesn’t create a coherent image.

Fourth, use metaphors sparingly. Overusing metaphors can make your writing or speech sound contrived and unnatural. Choose metaphors that add significant value to the description, rather than simply filling space.

Fifth, consider the cultural connotations of the vehicle. Some metaphors may have different meanings or associations in different cultures. Be mindful of these differences to avoid unintended offense or misinterpretation.

Common Mistakes When Using Metaphors for Beauty

One common mistake is using clichéd metaphors. Phrases like “as beautiful as a rose” or “eyes like stars” have been used so often that they have lost their impact. Strive to create original and fresh metaphors that surprise and delight the reader.

Another mistake is creating mixed metaphors, as mentioned earlier. Mixing metaphors confuses the image and weakens the overall effect. For example:

Incorrect: “His ideas were a beacon of hope that sailed through the storm.” (Mixing beacon and sailing metaphors)
Correct: “His ideas were a beacon of hope in the darkness.” OR “His ideas sailed through the storm, guiding us to safety.”

A third mistake is using metaphors that are too literal or obvious. A good metaphor should offer a fresh perspective and reveal a hidden connection between the tenor and the vehicle. Avoid metaphors that simply restate the obvious.

For example:

Weak: “Her beauty was beautiful.”
Strong: “Her beauty was a sunrise, painting the world with warmth and color.”

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of metaphors for beauty with the following exercises. Choose the best metaphor to complete each sentence, or create your own.

Exercise 1: Multiple Choice

Question	Options	Answer
1. Her laughter was like a __________, filling the room with joy.	a) brick wall b) gentle breeze c) rusty hinge d) heavy book	b) gentle breeze
2. His spirit was a __________, strong and unyielding.	a) feather b) mountain c) puddle d) shadow	b) mountain
3. Her eyes were __________, sparkling with intelligence.	a) dull stones b) muddy puddles c) bright diamonds d) broken glass	c) bright diamonds
4. She moved with the grace of a __________.	a) lumbering bear b) soaring eagle c) clumsy elephant d) crawling snail	b) soaring eagle
5. Her voice was a __________, soothing and melodious.	a) screeching halt b) flowing river c) jarring noise d) sudden crash	b) flowing river
6. His words were __________ offering comfort in times of distress.	a) shards of glass b) venomous snakes c) a warm blanket d) icy winds	c) a warm blanket
7. Her beauty was like a __________, blooming in the desert.	a) withered leaf b) thorny bush c) desert bloom d) barren landscape	c) desert bloom
8. The artist painted her portrait with the skill of a __________.	a) novice b) master c) child d) amateur	b) master
9. Her heart was a __________, full of compassion and love.	a) block of ice b) raging fire c) gentle stream d) empty void	c) gentle stream
10. His touch was as light as a __________.	a) heavy hammer b) rough sandpaper c) feather d) strong grip	c) feather

Exercise 2: Complete the Metaphor

Fill in the blank with an appropriate vehicle to create a metaphor for beauty.

Her smile was __________, chasing away the clouds. (Answer: sunshine)
His strength was __________, unwavering and resilient. (Answer: a mountain)
Her ideas were __________, illuminating the path forward. (Answer: stars)
Her voice was __________, captivating all who listened. (Answer: a songbird)
Her spirit was __________, soaring above the challenges. (Answer: an eagle)
His love was __________, protecting her from harm. (Answer: a shield)
Her kindness was __________, spreading warmth and joy. (Answer: a flame)
Her laughter was __________, refreshing and delightful. (Answer: a brook)
His wisdom was __________, guiding her through life’s journey. (Answer: a compass)
Her beauty was __________, enchanting and timeless. (Answer: a masterpiece)

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Metaphors

Write a sentence using a metaphor to describe the beauty of each of the following:

A sunset (Example: The sunset was a painter’s canvas, splashed with hues of orange, pink, and gold.)
A waterfall
A newborn baby
A field of wildflowers
A snow-covered mountain
A starry night
A piece of music
A work of art
A loving relationship
A moment of peace

Advanced Topics in Beauty Metaphors

For advanced learners, exploring the nuances of extended metaphors and allegorical representations of beauty can further enhance their understanding. An extended metaphor develops a comparison over several lines or paragraphs, creating a more complex and nuanced image. An allegory uses a sustained metaphor to represent abstract ideas or moral qualities.

Analyzing the works of renowned poets and writers, such as Shakespeare, Keats, and Dickinson, can provide valuable insights into the art of crafting powerful and evocative metaphors for beauty. Furthermore, studying the use of metaphors in different cultural contexts can broaden one’s appreciation for the diversity of aesthetic expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
Both metaphors and similes are figures of speech that compare two different things, but they do so in different ways. A metaphor directly equates the two things, stating that one is the other (e.g., “Her smile was sunshine”). A simile, on the other hand, uses “like” or “as” to make the comparison (e.g., “Her smile was like sunshine”).
How can I avoid using clichéd metaphors?
To avoid clichéd metaphors, strive for originality and specificity. Instead of relying on overused phrases, think about the unique qualities of the subject you are describing and try to find a fresh and unexpected comparison. Brainstorming and freewriting can help you generate new ideas. Consider sensory details and personal experiences to create more vivid and unique metaphors.
How do I choose the right metaphor for a particular context?
Consider your audience, the tone of your writing or speech, and the overall purpose of your communication. Choose a metaphor that resonates with your audience and effectively conveys the desired meaning. Avoid metaphors that are too obscure, culturally insensitive, or inappropriate for the situation.
Can I use multiple metaphors in a single description?
Yes, you can use multiple metaphors, but do so with caution. Ensure that the metaphors are consistent with each other and create a coherent image. Avoid mixing metaphors that clash or create confusion. It’s often more effective to focus on developing a single, powerful metaphor rather than using several weaker ones.
How can I practice using metaphors more effectively?
Practice regularly by writing descriptions using metaphors. Start with simple subjects and gradually increase the complexity. Read widely and pay attention to how other writers use metaphors. Ask for feedback from others on your metaphors and be open to constructive criticism.
Are there any cultures where metaphors are not used?
While the frequency and types of metaphors may vary across cultures, metaphors are a universal aspect of human language and cognition. All cultures use figurative language to express abstract concepts and create vivid imagery. However, the specific metaphors used and their cultural connotations may differ significantly.
What makes a metaphor “strong” or “weak”?
A strong metaphor is original, evocative, and effectively conveys the intended meaning. It creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind and reveals a hidden connection between the tenor and the vehicle. A weak metaphor is clichéd, obvious, or fails to create a meaningful comparison.
How can I use metaphors to describe inner beauty?
Describing inner beauty requires focusing on qualities such as kindness, compassion, intelligence, and resilience. Use metaphors that evoke these qualities, such as “Her kindness was a warm embrace,” or “Her wisdom was a guiding light.” Focus on the impact of their actions and the depth of their character.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of using metaphors for beauty elevates our ability to articulate the intangible. By understanding the structure, types, and usage rules of these powerful figures of speech, we can create vivid and evocative descriptions that resonate with our audience.

Avoiding common mistakes, such as clichéd or mixed metaphors, is crucial for crafting effective and impactful language.

Continue to practice and experiment with different metaphors, drawing inspiration from nature, art, music, and the world around you. The more you hone your skills, the more effectively you will be able to capture the essence of beauty in

its myriad forms.

Figurative Beauty: Mastering Metaphors for Describing Loveliness

Table of Contents

Definition of Metaphor for Beauty

Structural Breakdown of Beauty Metaphors