From the given options, select the figure of speech used in the expression:

"The male elephant was the hero."

Metaphor

The figure of speech used in the expression "The male elephant was the hero" is metaphor.

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is compared to another thing without using the words "like" or "as." In this case, the male elephant is being compared to a hero. This creates a sense of the male elephant's bravery and strength.

The other answer choices are incorrect. Simile is a figure of speech in which two things are compared using the words "like" or "as." Personification is a figure of speech in which inanimate objects are given human qualities. Oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two contradictory terms are used together. None of these devices are used in the expression "The male elephant was the hero.".