Metaphors for war are pervasive in the English language, shaping how we understand conflict, competition, and even everyday challenges. Understanding these metaphors not only enriches your vocabulary but also deepens your comprehension of figurative language and enhances your ability to communicate effectively.
This article delves into the fascinating world of war metaphors, exploring their structure, types, usage, and impact. Whether you’re an English language learner, a student of rhetoric, or simply someone interested in the power of language, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and skills to recognize, analyze, and use war metaphors with confidence.
By mastering the nuances of war metaphors, you will gain a greater appreciation for the subtle ways language influences our perceptions and actions. This knowledge is particularly valuable for anyone involved in communication, writing, or critical thinking.
So, prepare yourself for an insightful journey into the battlefield of language, where words become weapons and ideas clash in a metaphorical war.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Metaphors for War
- Structural Breakdown
- Types or Categories of War Metaphors
- Examples of War Metaphors
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of Metaphors for War
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things, asserting that one thing *is* another, not literally, but for rhetorical effect. Metaphors for war extend this principle by using the language and imagery of warfare to describe situations, events, or concepts that are not literally battles or conflicts.
These metaphors draw parallels between the characteristics of war—such as aggression, strategy, and struggle—and the attributes of the subject being described. The function of a war metaphor is to imbue a non-military situation with the urgency, intensity, and gravity associated with armed conflict.
War metaphors can be found in a variety of contexts, ranging from business and politics to sports and personal relationships. They serve to emphasize the competitive nature of these situations, highlight the high stakes involved, and underscore the need for strategic thinking and decisive action.
By framing an event as a “war,” speakers and writers can evoke strong emotions, rally support, and justify aggressive tactics.
The classification of war metaphors can be broad, encompassing any figurative language that borrows from the lexicon of warfare. However, they can be further categorized based on the specific aspects of war that they reference, such as military tactics, weapons, battlefield terrain, or the roles of soldiers and commanders.
Understanding these classifications helps in analyzing the nuances and implications of different war metaphors.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a war metaphor typically involves two key elements: the **tenor** and the **vehicle**. The tenor is the subject to which the metaphor is applied—the thing being described.
The vehicle is the war-related concept that is used to describe the tenor. The effectiveness of a war metaphor depends on the clear and compelling connection between the tenor and the vehicle.
This connection allows the audience to transfer the qualities and associations of war onto the subject at hand.
For example, in the sentence “The negotiations were a battlefield,” the tenor is “negotiations,” and the vehicle is “battlefield.” The metaphor suggests that the negotiations were characterized by conflict, tension, and the potential for casualties (e.g., damaged relationships, lost opportunities). The underlying structure is a simple comparison: Negotiations *are like* a battlefield.
Another important aspect of the structure is the **ground** of the metaphor—the shared attributes or characteristics between the tenor and the vehicle. In the example above, the ground might include the presence of opposing sides, the use of strategy and tactics, the potential for gains and losses, and the overall sense of competition.
Identifying the ground helps to understand the specific meaning and implications of the metaphor.
The grammatical structure of war metaphors can vary. They can appear as simple nouns (e.g., “a war of words”), verbs (e.g., “to bombard with questions”), adjectives (e.g., “a strategic alliance”), or even entire phrases and clauses.
The key is that the language evokes the imagery and associations of warfare.
Types or Categories of War Metaphors
War metaphors can be classified into several categories based on the specific aspects of warfare they reference. These categories provide a useful framework for analyzing and understanding the different types of war metaphors that are commonly used.
Military Tactics and Strategies
This category includes metaphors that draw on military tactics and strategies to describe non-military situations. These metaphors often emphasize the importance of planning, execution, and adaptability.
Examples include: “a strategic retreat,” “a flanking maneuver,” “laying siege to an idea,” “a pre-emptive strike,” and “winning the battle but losing the war.” These metaphors suggest that the situation requires careful planning, calculated moves, and a long-term perspective.
Weapons and Armor
This category encompasses metaphors that use the imagery of weapons and armor to describe tools, arguments, or defenses. These metaphors often highlight the power, effectiveness, or vulnerability of the subject being described.
Examples include: “a barrage of criticism,” “armed with facts,” “a bulletproof argument,” “shielding oneself from attack,” and “the sword of justice.” These metaphors evoke a sense of force, protection, and the potential for harm.
Battlefield and Terrain
This category includes metaphors that use the imagery of battlefields and terrain to describe the environment or context in which a situation is unfolding. These metaphors often emphasize the challenges, obstacles, and opportunities that are present.
Examples include: “a level playing field,” “high ground,” “enemy territory,” “crossing the Rubicon,” and “no man’s land.” These metaphors suggest a sense of location, boundaries, and the potential for conflict.
Ranks and Soldiers
This category encompasses metaphors that use the roles and ranks of soldiers and commanders to describe the participants in a non-military situation. These metaphors often highlight the hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities of the individuals involved.
Examples include: “foot soldiers,” “the front lines,” “generals of industry,” “commanding officer,” and “rallying the troops.” These metaphors evoke a sense of organization, leadership, and the importance of teamwork.
Casualties and Damage
This category includes metaphors that use the imagery of casualties and damage to describe the negative consequences of a situation. These metaphors often emphasize the losses, setbacks, and suffering that have occurred.
Examples include: “collateral damage,” “casualties of war,” “wounded pride,” “a Pyrrhic victory,” and “licking one’s wounds.” These metaphors evoke a sense of loss, pain, and the need for recovery.
Examples of War Metaphors
War metaphors are prevalent across various domains of life. The following sections provide detailed examples of how these metaphors are used in different contexts.
War Metaphors in Business
In the business world, war metaphors are frequently used to describe competition, market strategies, and the pursuit of profit. These metaphors emphasize the aggressive and strategic nature of business operations.
The following table provides examples of war metaphors used in a business context:
| Metaphor | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Market share battle | Competition for dominance in a particular market. | The two companies are engaged in a fierce market share battle. |
| Competitive landscape | The environment in which businesses operate, with various competitors vying for success. | The competitive landscape is becoming increasingly challenging. |
| Takeover bid | An attempt to acquire control of a company. | The company launched a hostile takeover bid. |
| Price war | A situation where companies aggressively lower prices to gain market share. | The price war decimated the profits of smaller companies. |
| Strategic alliance | A partnership between companies to achieve a common goal. | The two companies formed a strategic alliance to expand their market reach. |
| Cutting costs | Reducing expenses to improve profitability. | The company is cutting costs to survive the economic downturn. |
| Gaining ground | Making progress or increasing market share. | The new product is gaining ground in the market. |
| Losing ground | Falling behind or losing market share. | The company is losing ground to its competitors. |
| Fighting for survival | Struggling to stay in business during difficult times. | The small business is fighting for survival. |
| Bombarding with marketing | Flooding the market with advertising and promotional materials. | They are bombarding the market with their new marketing campaign. |
| Targeting customers | Focusing marketing efforts on specific groups of consumers. | The company is targeting younger customers with their new product line. |
| Raiding talent | Recruiting employees from competitor companies. | The company was accused of raiding talent from its rivals. |
| Defending market position | Protecting one’s market share from competitors. | The company is fiercely defending its market position. |
| Launching a product | Introducing a new product to the market. | They are launching a new product next month. |
| Conquering the market | Achieving dominance in a particular market. | The company aims to conquer the global market. |
| A war chest of capital | A large sum of money reserved for strategic investments and acquisitions. | The company has built up a war chest of capital to fund future acquisitions. |
| Under siege from competitors | Facing intense competition and pressure from rival companies. | The company feels under siege from competitors offering similar products at lower prices. |
| A scorched earth policy | A strategy of destroying assets or resources to prevent them from falling into the hands of competitors. | In a desperate attempt to avoid a takeover, the company implemented a scorched earth policy. |
| Holding the line | Maintaining one’s position or market share despite challenges. | Despite the economic downturn, the company is determined to hold the line and maintain its market share. |
| Deploying resources | Strategically allocating assets and manpower to achieve specific business objectives. | The company is deploying its resources to expand its presence in emerging markets. |
| Amassing forces | Accumulating resources and personnel in preparation for a major initiative or campaign. | The company is amassing forces to launch a major marketing campaign next quarter. |
| Neutralizing the competition | Taking actions to weaken or eliminate rival companies. | The company is focused on neutralizing the competition through innovation and superior customer service. |
| The battle for talent | The intense competition among companies to attract and retain skilled employees. | The battle for talent is becoming increasingly fierce in the tech industry. |
| In the trenches | Working hard and dealing with the day-to-day challenges of a business. | Our sales team is in the trenches, working hard to meet our quarterly goals. |
| Winning the customer | Successfully attracting and retaining customers through superior products and services. | The company is focused on winning the customer through exceptional service and personalized experiences. |
| A defensive strategy | A business approach focused on protecting market share and avoiding risks. | Given the uncertain economic climate, the company is adopting a defensive strategy. |
These metaphors highlight the competitive and often ruthless nature of the business world.
War Metaphors in Politics
In politics, war metaphors are used to describe campaigns, debates, and policy battles. These metaphors emphasize the adversarial nature of political discourse and the high stakes involved.
The following table provides examples of war metaphors used in a political context:
| Metaphor | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Political battleground | A region or issue where political conflict is intense. | The state has become a key political battleground. |
| Campaign trail | The route followed by a political candidate during an election campaign. | The candidate is hitting the campaign trail hard. |
| Attacking an opponent | Criticizing or challenging a political rival. | The candidate attacked his opponent’s record on education. |
| Defending a policy | Supporting and protecting a particular course of action. | The president defended his economic policy. |
| War of words | A heated exchange of arguments and accusations. | The debate turned into a war of words. |
| Taking aim at | Targeting a specific issue or opponent. | The senator is taking aim at corporate tax loopholes. |
| Gaining ground in the polls | Increasing support among voters. | The candidate is gaining ground in the polls. |
| Losing ground in the polls | Decreasing support among voters. | The candidate is losing ground in the polls. |
| Rallying the base | Motivating and mobilizing supporters. | The president is rallying the base with his conservative agenda. |
| A political offensive | A coordinated effort to promote a particular agenda or candidate. | The party launched a political offensive to win over undecided voters. |
| Bombarding with ads | Flooding the media with campaign advertisements. | The candidates are bombarding the airwaves with negative ads. |
| Holding the line | Maintaining a position or policy in the face of opposition. | The government is determined to hold the line on taxes. |
| A strategic retreat | Withdrawing from a position or policy to avoid further losses. | The party made a strategic retreat on the issue of immigration. |
| A battle for votes | The intense competition among candidates to win elections. | The election is shaping up to be a fierce battle for votes. |
| The front lines of policy | The areas where policy debates and decisions are most intense. | Education reform is on the front lines of policy. |
| Neutralizing opposition | Weakening or eliminating political rivals. | The party sought to neutralize opposition through strategic alliances. |
| A political minefield | A situation fraught with potential dangers and controversies. | The issue of healthcare reform is a political minefield. |
| The spoils of victory | The benefits and advantages gained from winning an election or policy battle. | The winning party claimed the spoils of victory. |
| Under fire | Facing intense criticism or scrutiny. | The politician came under fire for his controversial remarks. |
| A war of attrition | A prolonged struggle in which each side seeks to wear down the other. | The negotiations turned into a war of attrition. |
| Deploying surrogates | Using representatives to promote a message or defend a position. | The campaign is deploying surrogates to reach different voter groups. |
| Fortifying their position | Strengthening their stance or support on a particular issue. | The party is fortifying its position on environmental protection. |
| Taking enemy fire | Responding to criticism or attacks from political opponents. | The candidate is taking enemy fire for his economic policies. |
| A grassroots campaign | A political movement driven by ordinary citizens rather than professional politicians. | The candidate launched a grassroots campaign to connect with voters. |
| A political coup | A sudden and decisive seizure of power or control. | The unexpected resignation of the leader was seen as a political coup. |
| Waging war on poverty | Actively fighting to reduce or eliminate poverty through various policies and programs. | The government is waging war on poverty with new initiatives in education and job training. |
These metaphors illustrate the combative and strategic aspects of political life.
War Metaphors in Sports
Sports are often described using war metaphors to emphasize the competition, strategy, and physical exertion involved. These metaphors heighten the sense of drama and excitement.
The following table provides examples of war metaphors used in a sports context:
| Metaphor | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Battle on the field | A competitive game or match. | The battle on the field was intense. |
| Game plan | A strategy for winning a game. | The coach devised a detailed game plan. |
| Offensive strategy | A plan to score points or gain an advantage. | The team adopted an aggressive offensive strategy. |
| Defensive strategy | A plan to prevent the opponent from scoring. | The team relied on a strong defensive strategy. |
| Fighting for every point | Struggling to win each point in a game. | The players were fighting for every point. |
| Taking the lead | Gaining an advantage in the score. | The team took the lead in the first quarter. |
| Losing ground | Falling behind in the score. | The team was losing ground in the second half. |
| A war of attrition | A game where the winner is determined by endurance and resilience. | The marathon became a war of attrition. |
| Bombarding the goal | Repeatedly attacking the opponent’s goal. | The team bombarded the goal with shots. |
| Defending their territory | Protecting their side of the field or court. | The team defended their territory fiercely. |
| A strategic timeout | A break in the game used to plan strategy. | The coach called a strategic timeout. |
| The final assault | The last push to win the game. | The team launched a final assault in the last minutes. |
| Rallying the team | Motivating and encouraging teammates. | The captain rallied the team before the final quarter. |
| Conquering the opponent | Defeating the opposing team decisively. | The team conquered their opponent with a strong performance. |
| In the trenches | Engaged in the tough, physical aspects of the game. | The linemen were in the trenches, battling for every yard. |
| Shielding the quarterback | Protecting the quarterback from being tackled by the opposing team. | The offensive line worked hard to shield the quarterback throughout the game. |
| A Hail Mary pass | A long, desperate pass attempt made in the final moments of a game. | With seconds left on the clock, the quarterback threw a Hail Mary pass. |
| Going to battle | Preparing to compete in a challenging game or match. | The team is ready to go to battle and give it their all. |
| Outflanking the defense | Using strategic maneuvers to bypass the opponent’s defensive line. | The wide receiver outflanked the defense to make a crucial catch. |
| The line of scrimmage | The imaginary line where the offensive and defensive teams meet before each play. | The battle at the line of scrimmage was intense throughout the game. |
| Blitzing the quarterback | Sending multiple defensive players to rush the quarterback. | The defense blitzed the quarterback, forcing him to make a quick throw. |
| Holding their ground | Maintaining their defensive position and preventing the opponent from advancing. | The defense held their ground, stopping the opponent on fourth down. |
| A game of inches | A close and hard-fought game where every small gain is crucial. | This is a game of inches, where every play matters. |
| Winning the war | Achieving overall victory in a tournament or season. | The team is focused on winning the war and taking home the championship. |
These metaphors add excitement and intensity to the description of sports events.
War Metaphors in Personal Struggles
War metaphors are also used to describe personal challenges, struggles, and battles with adversity. These metaphors emphasize the difficulty and intensity of these experiences.
The following table provides examples of war metaphors used in the context of personal struggles:
| Metaphor | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Fighting for one’s life | Struggling to survive a serious illness or difficult situation. | He is fighting for his life in the hospital. |
| Battling addiction | Struggling to overcome a substance abuse problem. | She is battling addiction with the help of a support group. |
| Waging war on cancer | Fighting against cancer through treatment and lifestyle changes. | He is waging war on cancer with chemotherapy and radiation. |
| A battle with depression | Struggling with mental health issues. | She is in a battle with depression. |
| Defending one’s beliefs | Standing up for one’s principles and values. | He is defending his beliefs against criticism. |
| Taking a stand | Asserting one’s position on an important issue. | She is taking a stand against injustice. |
| Overcoming obstacles | Successfully dealing with challenges and difficulties. | He is overcoming obstacles to achieve his goals. |
| A personal breakthrough | Achieving a significant improvement or insight. | She had a personal breakthrough in therapy. |
| Shielding one’s heart | Protecting oneself from emotional pain and vulnerability. | After being hurt in the past, she shielded her heart from new relationships. |
| Armed with determination | Approaching a challenge with strong resolve and unwavering commitment. | Armed with determination, he faced the daunting task of completing the project. |
| Laying siege to bad habits | Making a concerted effort to break free from unhealthy behaviors. | She is laying siege to her bad habits by adopting a healthier lifestyle. |
| Surrendering to fate | Accepting the events that are beyond one’s control. | After a long struggle, he surrendered to fate and accepted the outcome. |
| A war within oneself | An internal conflict between conflicting desires, beliefs, or values. | He was experiencing a war within himself, torn between his head and his heart. |
| Fighting an uphill battle | Facing a challenging and difficult situation with limited resources or support. | She knew she was fighting an uphill battle, but she refused to give up. |
| Taking the offensive | Proactively addressing a problem or challenge with a determined approach. | Instead of waiting for things to improve, he decided to take the offensive. |
| Building defenses | Establishing strategies and boundaries to protect oneself from harm or negativity. | She started building defenses to protect herself from emotional abuse. |
| Demolishing self-doubt | Overcoming feelings of inadequacy and building self-confidence. | He worked hard to demolish self-doubt and believe in his abilities. |
| Reconquering dreams | Reviving and pursuing goals that were once abandoned or forgotten. | After a period of setbacks, she decided to reconquer her dreams. |
| The battle against time | The struggle to achieve goals or complete tasks within a limited timeframe. | He was in a constant battle against time to meet the project deadlines. |
| In the crosshairs | Being the target of criticism, scrutiny, or negative attention. | After the scandal broke, he found himself in the crosshairs of the media. |
These metaphors convey the emotional intensity and difficulty of personal struggles.
War Metaphors in Academics
In academic settings, war metaphors are used to describe intellectual debates, research endeavors, and the pursuit of knowledge. These metaphors emphasize the rigor and competitiveness of academic work.
| Metaphor | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Defending a thesis | Presenting and supporting an academic argument against challenges. | She is defending her thesis before a panel of professors. |
| Attacking a theory | Critiquing and challenging an existing academic concept. | The researcher attacked the prevailing theory with new evidence. |
| A battle of ideas | An intellectual debate or discussion. | The conference was a battle of ideas among leading scholars. |
| Conquering a subject | Mastering a particular field of study. | He is determined to conquer the subject of quantum physics. |
| In the trenches of research | Engaged in the difficult and time-consuming work of academic research. | The graduate students are in the trenches of research, collecting data for their dissertations. |
| Arming oneself with knowledge | Acquiring information and skills to support one’s arguments. | He is arming himself with knowledge before the debate. |
| A breakthrough discovery | A significant advancement in a particular field of study. | The scientist made a breakthrough discovery in cancer research. |
| Laying siege to a problem | Making a sustained effort to solve a complex problem. | The team is laying siege to the problem of climate change. |
| A war of attrition with deadlines | The exhausting struggle to meet academic deadlines. | The semester felt like a war of attrition with deadlines looming at every turn. |
| Deploying arguments | Strategically presenting and using arguments to support a position. | The lawyer deployed arguments effectively to win the case. |
| Fortifying one’s position | Strengthening one’s academic standing through publications and presentations. | The professor fortified her position in the field with groundbreaking research. |
| Neutralizing criticism | Effectively addressing and refuting critiques of one’s work. | The author neutralized criticism by providing compelling evidence. |
| A scholarly offensive | A proactive and assertive approach to advancing one’s research agenda. | The research group launched a scholarly offensive with a series of publications. |
| Defending intellectual territory | Protecting one’s area of expertise from encroachment by others. | The professor defended his intellectual territory against challenges from younger scholars. |
| Waging war on ignorance | Actively fighting to dispel misinformation and promote knowledge. | The educator is waging war on ignorance through accessible educational programs. |
These metaphors highlight the intellectual rigor and competitive nature of academic pursuits.
Usage Rules
When using war metaphors, it’s important to consider the following rules:
- Context: Ensure that the metaphor is appropriate for the context and audience. Overusing war metaphors can be seen as insensitive or melodramatic.
- Clarity: Make sure the connection between the tenor and the vehicle is clear. The metaphor should enhance understanding, not confuse the audience.
- Originality: Strive for originality and avoid clichés. Overused war metaphors can lose their impact.
- Consistency: Maintain consistency in the use of the metaphor. Mixing different metaphors can create a confusing and disjointed effect.
- Sensitivity: Be sensitive to the potential impact of war metaphors, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Avoid using war metaphors in ways that trivialise or glorify violence.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using war metaphors:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The project was a complete victory and total annihilation. | The project was a complete victory. | Avoid mixing contradictory war metaphors. |
| We will attack the problem with kindness and love. | We will address the problem with kindness and love. | Ensure the metaphor aligns with the intended tone. |
| The meeting was a battlefield of flowers. | The meeting was a battlefield of ideas. | Make sure the comparison is logical and meaningful. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of war metaphors with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Identify the War Metaphor
Identify the war metaphor in each sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The company launched a hostile takeover bid. | hostile takeover bid |
| 2. The debate turned into a war of words. | war of words |
| 3. The team bombarded the goal with shots. | bombarded the goal |
| 4. He is fighting for his life in the hospital. | fighting for his life |
| 5. She is defending her thesis before a panel of professors. | defending her thesis |
| 6. The politician came under fire for his controversial remarks. | came under fire |
| 7. The new product is gaining ground in the market. | gaining ground |
| 8. The candidate attacked his opponent’s record on education. | attacked his opponent’s record |
| 9. The coach devised a detailed game plan. | game plan |
| 10. He is battling addiction with the help of a support group. | battling addiction |
Exercise 2: Use War Metaphors in Sentences
Use the following war-related terms in sentences as metaphors.
| Term | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Strategic alliance | The two companies formed a strategic alliance to expand their market reach. |
| Campaign trail | The candidate is exhausted from the campaign trail. |
| Defensive strategy | The team adopted a defensive strategy to protect their lead. |
| Personal breakthrough | She achieved a personal breakthrough in therapy. |
| Scholarly offensive | The research group launched a scholarly offensive with a series of publications. |
Exercise 3: Correct the Misused Metaphor
Correct the following sentences where war metaphors are misused.
| Incorrect Sentence | Corrected Sentence |
|---|---|
| The party was a peaceful war. | The party was a peaceful gathering. |
| He attacked the cake with kindness. | He enjoyed the cake with kindness. |
| The project was a victorious defeat. | The project was a partial victory. |
Advanced Topics
For those looking to delve deeper into the subject, consider the following advanced topics:
- Historical Context: Explore how war metaphors have evolved over time and how they reflect changing attitudes towards war.
- Cultural Differences: Investigate how war metaphors vary across different cultures and languages.
- Ethical Implications: Consider the ethical implications of using war metaphors, particularly in sensitive contexts.
- Cognitive Linguistics: Study the cognitive processes underlying the use and understanding of war metaphors.
- Political Rhetoric: Analyze how politicians use war metaphors to shape public opinion and mobilize support.
FAQ
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
A metaphor directly states that one thing *is* another, while a simile uses “like” or “as” to make a comparison. For example, “The negotiations were a battlefield” (metaphor) vs.
“The negotiations were *like* a battlefield” (simile).
Why are war metaphors so common?
War metaphors are common because they evoke strong emotions, highlight the competitive nature of situations, and underscore the need for strategic thinking and decisive action.
Can war metaphors be harmful?
Yes, war metaphors can be harmful if they are used insensitively, trivialize violence, or promote an overly aggressive mindset.
How can I improve my use of war metaphors?
To improve your use of war metaphors, practice identifying them in different contexts, pay attention to the nuances of language, and be mindful of the potential impact of your words.
Are there alternatives to war metaphors?
Yes, there are many alternatives to war metaphors, such as sports metaphors, journey metaphors, or natural metaphors. The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired effect.
Conclusion
War metaphors are a powerful and pervasive feature of the English language. By understanding their structure, types, and usage rules, you can enhance your communication skills, deepen your comprehension of figurative language, and gain a greater appreciation for the subtle ways language influences our perceptions and actions.
Whether you’re analyzing political rhetoric, crafting persuasive arguments, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, mastering the art of war metaphors will give you a strategic advantage in the battlefield of words.