An exaggeration.

An exaggeration.

• A. Metaphor
• B. Allusion
• C. Exaggeration
• D. Hyperbole

Answer: (D)

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses deliberate overstatement to create emphasis or a humorous effect. When the clue describes an exaggeration, the term that names this device is hyperbole, because it signals an extreme, intentional exaggeration rather than a literal statement. Metaphor would make a direct comparison (like time is a thief) without overstatement, and an allusion is a reference to something well-known. Exaggeration is the general idea, while hyperbole is the specific label for an over-the-top statement used for emphasis. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is hyperbole—clearly not meant literally, but used to emphasize how hungry you feel.

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses deliberate overstatement to create emphasis or a humorous effect. When the clue describes an exaggeration, the term that names this device is hyperbole, because it signals an extreme, intentional exaggeration rather than a literal statement. Metaphor would make a direct comparison (like time is a thief) without overstatement, and an allusion is a reference to something well-known. Exaggeration is the general idea, while hyperbole is the specific label for an over-the-top statement used for emphasis. For example, saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is hyperbole—clearly not meant literally, but used to emphasize how hungry you feel.