Choose the correct figure of speech used in the underlined part.
Despite the valiant efforts, Germany lost by two goals.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → metonymy
Metonymy:
- Metonymy uses the name of one thing for another thing closely linked with it.
- The two things are not alike; they are connected (a country and its team, a crown and the king, the pen and writing).
- In "Germany lost by two goals", Germany stands for the German team, not the whole country.
Example: The crown has approved the new law.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: simile — Incorrect. A simile openly compares two different things using "like" or "as"; the line makes no such comparison.
Example: He runs like the wind.
Option 2: metaphor — Incorrect. A metaphor says that one thing is another because they are alike; Germany is used for its team because of a connection, not a likeness.
Example: The classroom was a zoo.
Option 4: imagery — Incorrect. Imagery is language that creates a picture for the senses (sight, sound, smell); the line only reports a result.
Example: The golden fields swayed under a blazing sun.
Contrast: a simile compares with "like" or "as", a metaphor rests on likeness, and metonymy rests on a close connection.