I have a theory that most people tend to gravitate toward one or more of these options.  Obviously we use them on a daily basis, but what do you find yourself using most often?  How do you think?  What comes to mind if, for example, I said security blanket?  Blank check?  Hangman?  Are they objects (something to comfort, a check with nothing written, a man hanging), or are they ideas (extra funds or a game, etc)?  
As a self-proclaimed pun-master, it's my job to consider these things.  So I ask you: will you answer this based on the few examples here?  Will you come up with your own using these as a guide?  Will you blow this out of proportion?  Consider yourself, consider your thoughts, potentially learn something about your head.  (That ten pound thing on your shoulders, or your brain; see how this works?)

Quick definitions for those who have not covered these in school, or have perhaps forgotten since:


Literal - Something is word-for-word true.  Saying "The elephant in the room" means there is actually an elephant standing in the room.

Metaphor - Things are said to be in reference to something else, or like parables (similar to simile).  "Elephant in the room" means something so obvious it's impossible to ignore.

Hyperbole - Exaggeration, stretching the truth, adding filler, etc.  "Elephant in the room" might be something larger in relation to other present things.

Very intriguing theory, I must say.

When I read each of the words, I initially thought of the metaphorical definition, but quickly switched to the literal. 

So I guess that would mean my definitions are metaphorically based. Of course, it's probably not all that clear cut.

Nice topic.

I'm a metaphor man myself.  Things are dumpster fires, complete disasters, rainbows and sunshine, etc.

I think the simile is the less creative person's tool.