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I need help coming up with a tricky simile. I tried asking on Writers SE but it got closed. I was advised to ask on Writers Chat, but there has been no response.

Is there a workable way of setting this question up on ELU?

  • It sounds like a creativity related request. I doubt there can be a good objective non-opinionated answer on ELU. – Mitch Jan 16 '17 at 0:31
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    No. Writing advice questions are not allowed here. If Writers won't allow them either then I guess keep trying chat. You can try the ELU chat too of course. – curiousdannii Jan 16 '17 at 2:03
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    One way to overcome EL&U's straightjacket would be to focus on the expression passing grades which is a "true" point, but fails to tell the whole picture. You could ask for the name of a rhetorical device which presents a fact as being representative of the truth, when it clearly omits details. You could also ask if there is a common idiom which describes this form of bias or slant. – Mari-Lou A Jan 16 '17 at 8:43
  • But asking users to come up with an original simile, would only invite close votes for being POB. – Mari-Lou A Jan 16 '17 at 8:46
  • I do wish moderators could move comments into answers. – Andrew Leach♦ Jan 16 '17 at 12:41
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Asking users to come up with an original simile, would only invite close votes for being POB.

One way to overcome EL&U's straitjacket would be to focus on the expression passing grades used in the official document, which makes a "true" point, but fails to tell the whole picture.

You could ask for the name of a rhetorical device which presents a fact as being representative of the truth, when it clearly omits key details. You could also ask if there is a common idiom which describes this form of bias or slant.

You could create your own simile/metaphor and ask if a known one already exists— this could however lead you onto a slippery slope, and users might argue that the question is POB, or too broad. On the other hand, if the question ignites interest and good suggestions, it's rare a popular question gets closed on its first day.

Good luck!

  • I think Andrew Leach was commenting about Curiousdanni and my comments. when he wished mods could change comments into answers, in the comment he left in the comment section. – Mari-Lou A Jan 16 '17 at 19:18
  • Yes, I think so too. He really should have pinged you. At any rate, I'm glad you noticed, because now I can Accept With Enthusiasm. Thank you, it worked! Now all I have to do is convince Edwin to write a &%%$*! answer for once in his life. – aparente001 Jan 16 '17 at 21:46
  • @aparente001 well, I'm just pleased my suggestion helped you obtain the answer you needed. – Mari-Lou A Jan 16 '17 at 22:41

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