Yep, it's figurative language!
When describing objects, a person does not necessarily know what a thing looks like. We'll say, for example, a weapon. The character or reader is not necessarily going to see it and think, '[insert weapon name here]' if they don't know the weapon. Think about how it looks, and compare it to something. A sword looks like a giant meat carver. A dagger looks like a deadly butter knife. Whatever will get the point across to readers.
Be sparing with metaphors. It can be confusing if you always say that something is (metaphorically) something else.
Same with similes, no one wants to read like or as 300 times, PERIOD.
Finally, be smart with your metaphor. You would not compare something that doesn't belong together unless it's sarcastically.
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Writing Tips!
Non-FictionJust a bunch of different things I see, and things I do that I think will help newer writers get better at writing. If you have anything to add, please comment, and I'll add the thing, along with dedicating that tip to you!
