Similes vs. Metaphors

A simile is a phrase with “like” or “as” that uses a comparison to describe.

Example:

Life is like a box of chocolates: you never know which one you’re going to get.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes an object or action in a way that isn’t literally true but helps explain an idea or make a comparison.

Metaphors do not use “like” or “as.” 

Example:

Bob is a couch potato.