Which metaphorical expression could be considered synecdoche?

Study for the MoCA Language Arts Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The expression "We need more hands on deck" is a classic example of synecdoche because it uses a part (hands) to represent the whole (people). In this context, "hands" refers not just to physical hands but to the people who possess those hands and their ability to work. This figurative language illustrates the idea that more workers are needed to accomplish a task, highlighting how a specific part of a person (their hands) is used to symbolize their role or contribution as a whole.

In contrast, the other expressions either employ different figurative language or do not fit the definition of synecdoche. For instance, "Time is money" utilizes a metaphor by equating two concepts, while "The stars danced in the sky" personifies stars, giving them human-like qualities. Similarly, "She's got the world on her shoulders" employs hyperbole to emphasize the weight of responsibility, but it does not utilize part-to-whole representation like synecdoche does. Thus, the choice of "We need more hands on deck" exemplifies the proper application of synecdoche in literary expression.

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