注：英文引文，机翻未校。
如有内容异常，请看原文。
How can you use metaphors and analogies to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences?
如何运用比喻与类比向非技术受众解释技术概念？
As a leader, you may often need to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences, such as clients, stakeholders, or team members. This can be challenging, especially if you want to avoid jargon, confusion, or boredom. One effective way to make your explanations more engaging and understandable is to use metaphors and analogies. These are linguistic tools that compare one thing to another, based on some similarity or connection. In this article, you will learn how to use metaphors and analogies to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences, and what to avoid when doing so.
作为管理者，你经常需要向客户、利益相关方或团队成员等非技术受众解释技术概念。这一过程颇具挑战，尤其是在你希望避免专业术语、理解障碍与枯燥感的前提下。让解释更具吸引力与易懂性的有效方式之一，是运用比喻与类比。它们是基于相似性或关联性将一种事物与另一种事物进行对比的语言工具。本文将介绍如何运用比喻与类比向非技术受众解释技术概念，以及使用过程中需要规避的问题。
1 Why use metaphors and analogies?
1 为何要使用比喻与类比？
Metaphors and analogies can help you bridge the gap between the familiar and the unfamiliar, the concrete and the abstract, the simple and the complex. They can help you illustrate your points, create interest, and evoke emotions. They can also help you simplify technical concepts without oversimplifying them, and make them more memorable and relatable. For example, you can use a metaphor to compare a computer network to a highway system, or an analogy to explain how encryption works like a lock and a key.
比喻与类比能够帮助你在熟悉与陌生、具体与抽象、简单与复杂之间搭建桥梁。它们可以帮你阐明观点、引发兴趣、调动情感。同时，它们能在不过度简化的前提下简化技术概念，使其更易记忆与共情。例如，你可以将计算机网络比作公路系统，或用锁与钥匙的类比解释加密原理。
At times, I also draw pictures on a white board. It helps with the visualization aspect- especially as it relates to infrastructure.
有时我也会在白板上画图。这有助于可视化呈现，尤其在涉及基础设施相关内容时。
How to choose metaphors and analogies?
如何选择比喻与类比？
The key to choosing effective metaphors and analogies is to know your audience and your purpose. You need to consider what they already know, what they need to know, and what they are interested in. You also need to consider what you want to achieve, whether it is to inform, persuade, or inspire. Then, you need to find a metaphor or an analogy that matches your audience's level of understanding, background, and culture, and that supports your main message and goal. For example, if you want to explain cloud computing to a group of teachers, you can use an analogy to compare it to a library, where you can access books and resources from anywhere.
选择有效比喻与类比的前提是了解你的受众与表达目的。你需要考虑受众已知信息、需了解内容与兴趣点，同时明确你想要达成的目标------是告知、说服还是启发。随后，找到与受众理解水平、背景和文化相匹配，且能支撑核心信息与目标的比喻或类比。例如，向教师群体解释云计算时，可将其类比为图书馆，可随时随地获取书籍与资源。
To explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences, use metaphors and analogies that resonate with their experiences. Choose familiar concepts or objects that align closely with the technical concept you're explaining. Simplify complex ideas by comparing them to everyday situations or objects your audience understands. Consider the audience's background and interests to select metaphors that are relevant and engaging. Use vivid imagery to make the comparison clear and memorable. By carefully selecting metaphors and analogies, you can effectively bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, facilitating understanding and engagement.
向非技术受众解释技术概念时，应选用能引发其经验共鸣的比喻与类比。选择与所讲解技术概念高度契合的熟悉概念或事物，通过与受众理解的日常场景或物品对比简化复杂观点。结合受众背景与兴趣挑选贴切且有吸引力的比喻，运用生动意象让对比清晰易记。精心选择比喻与类比，能有效打通技术与非技术受众的认知壁垒，促进理解与互动。
The funny thing is, in most cases, we don't even have to choose metaphors. Our audience just brings them. But they are sometimes so ubiquitous that they are hard to spot, like fish not 'seeing' the water they are in (And even that is a metaphor). When somebody says in a workshop, "I'm standing against the wall," then that's a metaphor that we can work with. When somebody says, "We are at a crossroads," they are not literally at a crossroads, but it's something we can explore. So, metaphors are actually all around us, and we have a lot of things to play with and have fun with. What kind of crossroad is it? Is it a T? Is it a Y? What does it look like? It's so much fun pick up and work with!
有趣的是，多数情况下我们无需刻意选择比喻，受众本身就会自带比喻。只是它们往往无处不在，以至于难以察觉，就像鱼看不见自己身处的水（而这句话本身也是比喻）。当有人在研讨中说"我被逼到墙角"时，这就是一个可利用的比喻；当有人说"我们处于十字路口"，他们并非真的在路口，而是一个值得挖掘的表达。比喻其实无处不在，有很多可以挖掘和玩味的内容。这是怎样的十字路口？是 T 字形？还是 Y 字形？它看起来是什么样子？挖掘并运用这些比喻十分有趣。
Quite often metaphors and analogies fail despite being too amazing in our own experience. I love Harry Potter references. However, my client demographics isn't one that will delve into fiction. If I say Boggart or Dementor in my interaction with my audience, it means nothing to them and will fall flat. But if I am making a very deep point about energy drainers and say "dementors are characters that suck the soul and joy out of people," now compare it with people around you and see who you do not wish to suck your energy out - it is quite a powerful metaphor. Choosing our metaphors and making a connection to it are two different and equally important skills to build on.
很多时候，即便在我们看来极佳的比喻与类比也会失效。我很喜欢引用《哈利·波特》，但我的客户群体并不熟悉这类虚构作品。如果我在交流中提到"博格特"或"摄魂怪"，受众会毫无感知，表达效果大打折扣。但如果我想深入阐述消耗精力的人或事，并说明"摄魂怪是会吸走人的灵魂与快乐的角色"，再让受众对比身边不愿被其消耗精力的人，这就会成为极具冲击力的比喻。选择比喻与建立比喻关联是两项不同且同等重要的能力。
3 How to craft metaphors and analogies?
3 如何构建比喻与类比？
Once you have chosen a metaphor or an analogy, you need to craft it carefully and clearly. You need to establish the similarity or connection between the two things you are comparing, and explain how they relate to each other. You also need to use appropriate language and imagery, and avoid mixing or extending metaphors or analogies too far. For example, if you use a metaphor to compare a database to a filing cabinet, you can say that each file is a record, each drawer is a table, and each label is a field. But you should not say that the database has hinges, locks, or handles, as these are irrelevant details that can confuse your audience.
选定比喻或类比后，需要清晰严谨地进行构建。你需要明确对比两种事物的相似点或关联，解释二者的对应关系，同时使用恰当的语言与意象，避免混用或过度延伸比喻与类比。例如，将数据库类比为文件柜时，可以说明每份文件对应一条记录、每个抽屉对应一张数据表、每个标签对应一个字段，但不应提及数据库有合页、锁具或把手，这些无关细节会造成受众困惑。
Elaborar metáforas y analogías efectivas requiere creatividad y un profundo entendimiento del concepto que deseas explicar. Primero, identifica los elementos clave del concepto técnico y busca similitudes en el mundo cotidiano o en otras áreas de conocimiento. Luego, selecciona una comparación que sea relevante, clara y fácil de entender para tu audiencia. Es importante que la metáfora o analogía sea precisa y no genere confusiones. Además, puedes jugar con el lenguaje y las imágenes para hacer la comparación más visual y memorable. Experimenta con diferentes enfoques y solicita retroalimentación para refinar tus metáforas y analogías hasta encontrar la más efectiva para transmitir el concepto técnico de manera accesible y comprensible.
构建有效的比喻与类比需要创造力与对所解释概念的深刻理解。首先，明确技术概念的关键要素，在日常生活或其他知识领域寻找相似点；随后，选择对受众而言贴切、清晰、易懂的对比对象。比喻或类比需精准，避免引发误解。你还可以运用语言与意象让对比更直观、易记。尝试不同方式并收集反馈，不断优化比喻与类比，直至找到能以通俗方式传递技术概念的最优表达。
Painting Pictures with Words: Use vivid imagery in your metaphors to paint a mental picture. If you're explaining algorithms, liken them to a well-thought-out recipe that, when followed step by step, produces a perfect dish. It's about making the technical dance of algorithms feel like a culinary choreography.
用文字描绘画面：在比喻中使用生动意象构建心理图景。解释算法时，可将其比作精心设计的食谱，按步骤执行即可做出完美菜品，让算法的技术逻辑如同烹饪流程一般直观。
I have already written about dementors (reference Harry Potter movies) while talking about how to choose the metaphors. Taking forward the same theme, here are a few thoughts on how to craft the metaphors:
前文讲解如何选择比喻时，已经提到过《哈利·波特》中的摄魂怪。延续这一主题，以下是构建比喻的几点思路：
- Pick a metaphor theme you are very familiar with (fictional characters called Dementors)
选择你非常熟悉的比喻主题（如虚构角色摄魂怪） - Bring in the metaphor reference you wish to talk about in a crisp, to-the-point way (dementors suck soul and joy)
简洁明了地引入比喻核心特征（摄魂怪会吸走灵魂与快乐） - Bring the connection with your topic (say, not getting sucked into drama of others)
建立与主题的关联（如避免被他人的负面情绪消耗） - Keep it short and simple. Don't over-explain.
保持简短精炼，不过度解释 - Don't oversimplify too, else you may lose the emotional component of the metaphor.
也不要过度简化，否则会丢失比喻的情感内涵
Crafting metaphors and analogies involves simplifying technical concepts by comparing them to familiar experiences or objects. Identify key elements of the concept, brainstorm relatable situations or objects, and choose vivid imagery that resonates with the audience. Test with diverse groups to ensure clarity and engagement. This approach makes complex ideas more understandable and engaging for non-technical audiences.
构建比喻与类比，是通过与熟悉经验或物品对比简化技术概念。明确概念核心要素，头脑风暴可共情的场景或物品，选择能引发受众共鸣的生动意象，在不同群体中测试以确保清晰易懂。这种方式能让复杂观点更易被非技术受众理解与接受。
Crafting metaphors and analogies requires careful consideration, here are five steps to help you in the process
构建比喻与类比需要周密思考，以下五步可提供帮助：
-
Understand the concept you want to explain and break it down into its key components.
理解要解释的概念，并拆解为关键组成部分
-
Identify a familiar comparison that shares similarities with the concept.
找到与该概念具有相似性的熟悉对比对象
-
Highlight relevant similarities between the concept and the comparison.
突出概念与对比对象之间的相关相似点
-
Craft the metaphor or analogy using clear and concise language, creating a vivid mental image.
用清晰简洁的语言构建比喻或类比，形成生动的心理图景
-
Test and refine the metaphor or analogy based on feedback, ensuring clarity and effectiveness.
根据反馈测试并优化比喻或类比，确保清晰有效
4 How to deliver metaphors and analogies?
4 如何呈现比喻与类比？
The way you deliver your metaphors and analogies can also affect their impact and effectiveness. You need to use the right tone, timing, and emphasis, and adapt to your audience's feedback and reactions. You also need to balance your metaphors and analogies with factual information, examples, and evidence, and avoid relying on them too much. For example, you can use a metaphor or an analogy to introduce or summarize a technical concept, but you should also provide more details and explanations afterwards. You can also use gestures, visuals, or stories to enhance your metaphors and analogies, and make them more vivid and compelling.
呈现比喻与类比的方式同样会影响其效果与影响力。你需要使用恰当的语气、时机与强调方式，并根据受众反馈与反应调整。同时，要在比喻、类比与事实信息、案例、依据之间保持平衡，避免过度依赖。例如，可用比喻或类比引入或总结技术概念，但之后需补充更多细节与解释。你还可以借助手势、视觉素材或故事强化比喻与类比，使其更生动、更有说服力。
Metaphors and Analogies are great tools for setting context and explaining solutions. It works best when they are backed by facts and figures. It's important to remember that the metaphor or analogy alone will not help your team take things forward, it's only a means to get everyone to comprehend the big picture. Once the context is set, it'll be helpful to explain how the metaphor or analogy applies to the current situation, and share technical details on how to move forward. This helps them take away action items that are meaningful and relevant to everyone on the team.
比喻与类比是搭建背景、解释方案的优秀工具，在有事实与数据支撑时效果最佳。需要明确的是，仅靠比喻或类比无法推动团队推进工作，它只是让所有人理解整体框架的手段。背景搭建完成后，需说明比喻或类比如何适用于当前场景，并分享后续推进的技术细节，帮助团队成员获取有意义且与自身相关的行动项。
Because metaphors are excellent for making visual points, think about how you can incorporate them visually. My personal taste would be to avoid simply putting up a picture of the metaphor you'd like to use - although that could work. An example could be, if you have a flowchart, but you want to emphasise the natural or human elements, as opposed to it being a rigid mechanical or unfeeling process, you could design the flow chart to evoke a vine, with the boxes hinting at leaf shapes, using softer curves and colours to implicitly communicate part of the metaphor. Or vice versa, if you want to celebrate the automation and speed of the process.
比喻非常适合可视化表达，因此要思考如何将其视觉化呈现。我个人建议避免直接展示比喻对应的图片，尽管这种方式可行。例如，你制作流程图时，若想突出自然或人文属性，而非僵硬机械、缺乏情感的流程，可将流程图设计成藤蔓形态，框图形似叶片，使用柔和的曲线与色彩，含蓄传递比喻内涵；反之，若想突出流程的自动化与高效性，也可做对应设计。
The stories need to relate to real-life experiences. Analogies and metaphors should relate to real-life experiences that your audience can easily grasp. For instance, comparing computer memory to a filing cabinet where information is stored and retrieved.
所使用的故事需要与现实经验相关。比喻与类比应贴合受众易于理解的现实经历，例如将计算机内存类比为可存储和调取信息的文件柜。
Nothing like a good story! For people to feel concerned, you have to be concerned too and imagine yourself in their place, at the center of the metaphor, and arouse an emotion: curiosity, laughter, indignation, etc... This is what all good speakers do (look at the TedX format!). A metaphor dosen't have to be exact, it needs to be powerful.
好故事无可替代！想要让受众产生共鸣，你自己也要投入其中，换位思考，置身于比喻的核心场景，调动好奇、愉悦、愤慨等情绪。优秀的演讲者都会这样做（参考 TedX 形式）。比喻不必绝对精准，但要有感染力。
Delivering metaphors and analogies effectively involves integrating them seamlessly into your communication. Begin by introducing the concept or topic you wish to illustrate. Then, introduce the metaphor or analogy in a clear and concise manner, ensuring it aligns with the subject matter and is relevant to your audience's experiences or knowledge. Provide sufficient context to help your audience grasp the comparison, and consider using vivid language to make it more engaging. Finally, reinforce the metaphor or analogy by elaborating on its significance and how it relates to the main point you're conveying.
高效呈现比喻与类比，需要将其无缝融入沟通中。先引入要阐释的概念或主题，再清晰简洁地提出比喻或类比，确保其贴合主题且与受众经验或认知相关。提供充足背景帮助受众理解对比逻辑，并用生动语言提升吸引力。最后，阐述比喻或类比的意义及其与核心观点的关联，强化表达效果。
5 What to avoid when using metaphors and analogies?
5 使用比喻与类比时需要规避什么？
While metaphors and analogies can be powerful tools for technical communication, they can also backfire if used incorrectly or inappropriately. You should avoid using metaphors and analogies that are clichéd, inaccurate, irrelevant, or offensive. You should also avoid using metaphors and analogies that are too vague, complex, or abstract, or that contradict or confuse your main message. For example, you should not use a metaphor to compare a software update to a car tune-up, if the update involves major changes or risks. You should also not use an analogy to explain how artificial intelligence works like a human brain, if you are not sure about the accuracy or implications of the comparison.
尽管比喻与类比是技术沟通的有力工具，但使用不当也会产生反效果。应避免使用陈腐、不准确、不相关或具有冒犯性的比喻与类比，同时避免过于模糊、复杂、抽象，或与核心信息相悖、易造成混淆的表达。例如，若软件更新涉及重大变更或风险，就不应将其类比为汽车保养；若不确定对比的准确性与潜在影响，就不应将人工智能类比为人类大脑进行解释。
You shouldn't need to over-explain a metaphor. If you find that it takes more than a few lines to explain the metaphor, then this is a sign it's not effective. The exception here is if there is a story that specifically draws out a particular aspect of the metaphor.
比喻无需过度解释。如果一个比喻需要数行文字才能说明，就意味着它并不适用。唯一的例外是，有专门的故事能突出比喻的某一特定内涵。
Aus meiner Erfahrung sollte eine Übersimplifizierung bei der Bildung von Metaphern vermieden werden. Gerade bei technischen Themen kann man so ggf. der hohen Komplexität nicht gerecht werden. Zu sehr vereinfachte Metaphern könnten ein falsches Bild beim Zuhörenden entstehen lassen.
根据我的经验，构建比喻时应避免过度简化。尤其在技术主题中，过度简化可能无法体现内容的高度复杂性，过于简单的比喻会让听众形成错误认知。
Metaphors and analogies are an amazing tool for effective communication. They make the conversation interesting and relatable. They also aid as a powerful imagery tool. However, if we don't know the art of storytelling, it is best to avoid using metaphors. Two things to avoid while using metaphors are:
比喻与类比是高效沟通的优秀工具，能让对话有趣且有共鸣，也是极具表现力的意象工具。但如果不掌握叙事技巧，最好避免使用比喻。使用比喻时需规避两点：
- Don't use unfamiliar metaphors and analogies just because it sounded cool in someone else's conversation. If we don't know about the basics of construction, using the building metaphor can be disastrous.
不要只因他人使用时效果不错就照搬不熟悉的比喻与类比。如果不了解建筑基础知识，使用建筑相关比喻可能会造成严重误解。 - Don't mix different metaphors. "A clear blueprint of the building plan will make the foundation strong" is an example of mixing two analogies. A blueprint is a guide, the strong foundation refers to quality.
不要混用不同比喻。"清晰的建筑蓝图能让地基更牢固"就是混用类比的例子，蓝图是指导方案，牢固地基代表质量。
Utilizar analogías puede ser efectivo por para explicar conceptos financieros a audiencias no técnicas, si bien es muy importante no abusar, introducirlas en el momento adecuado del discurso y adaptarlas al tipo de público, no cayendo en el riesgo de ser considerado demasiado básico o elemental.
使用类比向非技术受众解释财务概念会很有效，但切记不可滥用，要在演讲的合适时机引入，并根据受众类型调整，避免被认为过于浅显或基础。
I'd say what I saud in the 3rd point : a metaphor don't has to be exact : it has to be simple, simple to vizualise, simple to understand, not to raise questions or debates. Its power comes from the consensus - the evidence - that it generates
我重申第三点中的观点：比喻不必绝对精准，但要简单、易可视化、易理解，不会引发疑问或争议。它的感染力来自于所形成的共识与认同。
6 How to practice using metaphors and analogies?
6 如何练习使用比喻与类比？
The best way to improve your skills in using metaphors and analogies is to practice and learn from others. You can practice by brainstorming metaphors and analogies for different technical concepts, and testing them with different audiences. You can also learn from others by reading, listening, or watching how experts, speakers, or writers use metaphors and analogies in their technical communication. You can analyze their choices, techniques, and effects, and apply them to your own situations. By using metaphors and analogies wisely and creatively, you can enhance your leadership development and technical communication, and make your explanations more engaging and understandable for non-technical audiences.
提升比喻与类比使用能力的最佳方式是练习与向他人学习。你可以为不同技术概念头脑风暴比喻与类比，并在不同受众中测试效果；也可以通过阅读、聆听或观看专家、演讲者、作者在技术沟通中使用比喻与类比的方式学习，分析其选择、技巧与效果，并应用到自身场景中。巧妙且有创意地运用比喻与类比，能促进个人领导力与技术沟通能力提升，让你对非技术受众的解释更具吸引力与易懂性。
"And that's like what?" This is one of the simplest inquiries we can use to draw out analogies from within ourselves or with others. It basically asks us to explain one concept in terms of another, which is exactly the essence of a metaphor. Try it out. It works surprisingly well.
"这像什么？"是我们用于自我启发或与他人挖掘类比的最简单提问之一。它本质上是要求用一种概念解释另一种概念，这正是比喻的核心。不妨尝试，效果会出乎意料地好。
La práctica hace al maestro, atrévete a practicar en tu día a dia , comienza utilizando la frase siguiente , esta situación se parece a ...
熟能生巧，大胆在日常生活中练习，从使用这句话开始：这种情况类似于......
What I have found helpful is the following:
我发现以下方法很有帮助：
-
Whatever I read or watch, and find very interesting and metaphorical, I make a note of it. I also think about what is the connection I made.
无论阅读或观看内容，只要发现有趣且具有比喻性的表达，我都会记录下来，并思考我所建立的关联。
-
Whenever I am experiencing something new and not so easy to express, I go to my metaphor bank and think what is this closest to. Mostly I will get back a memory.
每当遇到新的、难以表达的事物时，我会回顾自己的比喻库，思考它最接近什么，通常会唤起一段记忆。
-
I describe my new and complex scenario to myself using the metaphor I got.
我用找到的比喻向自己描述新的复杂场景。
-
I practice using metaphors in simple situations too so as to build the muscle memory to make it easier to recall in complex situations.
我也会在简单场景中练习使用比喻，形成肌肉记忆，以便在复杂场景中更易调取。
-
Find more metaphors. Practice, practice, practice. Repeat.
积累更多比喻，不断练习、重复、精进。
7 Here's what else to consider
7 其他需要考虑的内容
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don't fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
本板块用于分享不适用于前文章节的案例、故事或见解。你还有其他想要补充的内容吗？
discussion
Geetanjali Verma
Technical Program Manager at Google
谷歌技术项目经理
Using metaphors and analogies helps simplify complex ideas, making them easier to understand. They also improve memory retention by giving a familiar context for new information. We can choose metaphors that connect with our audience's interests and experiences for better engagement.
使用隐喻和类比有助于简化复杂的概念，使其更易于理解。它们通过为新信息提供熟悉的背景来提高记忆保持率。我们可以选择与受众兴趣和经历相联系的隐喻，以获得更好的参与度。
Chani Cordero FACHE, FCHIME, FHIMSS
Director of IT Methodist, Methodist Children,
卫理公会医院及卫理公会儿童医院 IT 总监
At times, I also draw pictures on a white board. It helps with the visualization aspect- especially as it relates to infrastructure.
有时，我也会在白板上画图。这有助于可视化方面------尤其是涉及基础设施时。
Alex Kell, MHA, FACHE
Translation of complex concepts using common language is an underrated part of leadership but especially in IT. I use metaphors often to validate that I am following what plenty of brilliant folks are trying to explain to me. Leaders, specifically those who are not purely IT-focused, depend on their management teams to articulate status, progress, objectives, and decision points in a way that is easy to understand. It feels very tempting to flex your knowledge by using overly technical terms or big words, but generally using straightforward verbiage and imagery is the best way to bring the whole group along.
用通俗语言翻译复杂的概念是领导力中被低估的一部分，在 IT 领域尤其如此。我经常使用隐喻来确认自己是否跟上了许多聪明人试图向我解释的内容。领导者，特别是那些非纯 IT 背景的领导者，依赖其管理团队以易于理解的方式阐明状态、进展、目标和决策点。虽然人们很容易受诱惑通过使用过于专业的术语或大词来炫耀知识，但一般来说，使用直白的措辞和意象是让整个团队跟上节奏的最佳方式。
Sonia Dubey Dewan, AICI CIM
Leading India's Image Revolution
引领印度形象革命
Metaphors and analogies can simplify complex technical concepts by comparing them to familiar experiences or objects. For instance, likening computer networks to highways helps non-technical audiences grasp the idea of data transmission and traffic management more easily.
隐喻和类比可以通过将复杂的技术概念与熟悉的经历或物体进行比较来简化它们。例如，将计算机网络比作高速公路，可以帮助非技术背景的受众更容易地理解数据传输和流量管理的概念。
Arvind Ramasundaram
Top Executive Coaching Voice
顶级高管教练声音
Did you know etymology of Metaphor comes from the greek word - Metapherein - which means 'to transfer'. When we use metaphors we are essentially trying to 'transfer' a thought or idea that can be easily understood by a receiver. In the book, Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari - the author has stated the origins of humans on how they could understand 'symbols' or 'images' to communicate. While the human intelligence has evolved to unprecedented levels - the core of who we are in recognising symbols and images always remains. Metaphors are about connecting a word or a phrase to an object or action that can result in 'symbolic' representation or 'imagery' in the mind which creates relation to the intellect - ergo resulting in simple 'understanding'.
您知道"隐喻"（Metaphor）一词的词源来自希腊语"Metapherein"，意思是"转移"吗？当我们使用隐喻时，本质上是在尝试"转移"一个思想或概念，以便接收者能够轻松理解。在尤瓦尔·诺亚·赫拉利（Yuval Noah Harari）的《人类简史》（Sapiens）一书中，作者阐述了人类的起源，指出人类如何通过理解"符号"或"图像"来进行交流。虽然人类的智力已经进化到前所未有的水平，但我们识别符号和图像的核心本质始终未变。隐喻是将词语或短语与物体或动作联系起来，从而在脑海中形成"象征性"表现或"意象"，这种联系能够通向理智------因此促成简单的"理解"。
reference
- How to Use Metaphors and Analogies for Technical Communication
https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-can-you-use-metaphors-analogies-explain-lxqge