Figures of Speech

Analogy

Explain an unfamiliar idea through a familiar parallel.

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What & why

What it is
An analogy explains one idea by mapping it onto another, more familiar one, matching the relationships and steps between the two rather than just their surface look. Unlike similes or metaphors, which mainly paint a vivid image, an analogy carries structure across, so the audience can reason about how an unfamiliar process behaves by following one they already understand.
Why it works

Analogies work by mapping the relationships in a familiar domain onto an unfamiliar one. Research on analogical reasoning suggests this structural mapping tends to make new concepts easier to grasp, because listeners can lean on a mental model they already hold rather than building one from scratch.

Before & after

Before

“Our model uses beam search.”

After

“Our model explores options like a shopper scanning aisles, then picks the best basket.”

When you’ll use it

Onboarding new team members to complex processes

Explaining technical architectures to business stakeholders

Teaching abstract concepts in training sessions

Bridging understanding between different departments

Making strategic visions concrete and actionable

Simplifying complex problem-solving approaches

Pro tip

Map roles and steps one-to-one between the two domains.

Questions & answers

How detailed should my analogies be?

Match the complexity to your purpose. For quick understanding, map 2-3 key relationships. For deep learning, develop the analogy fully, including edge cases and limitations. Always acknowledge where the analogy breaks down.

What if my audience doesn't understand my chosen analogy?

Always gauge familiarity first. Have backup analogies ready from different domains (sports, cooking, construction). Better to ask 'Are you familiar with how restaurants work?' than assume knowledge.

Can analogies oversimplify complex topics?

Yes, that's both their strength and weakness. Use analogies to introduce concepts, then add nuance. Say 'This analogy gets us 80% there, but here's where reality differs...' to maintain accuracy.

Learn more

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy - Analogy and Analogical Reasoning
Purdue OWL - Prewriting (Brainstorming) Questions
Wikipedia - Analogy

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