Metaphor Monday!

We have another metaphor mix for you! It would be a shame to stop at one set, now wouldn't it?

Remember: Just like a simile, the non-literal figure of speech referred to as a metaphor also compares two things, but it does so in a more direct way, this time without using as or like.

Two examples:

Christian has a heart of gold = Christian is very kind, generous or sincere
Don’t call him a slowcoach! = a person who acts or moves slowly
 

What do the metaphors in CAPITAL LETTERS below mean? Choose the correct meaning!

• 1. It’s RAINING CATS AND DOGS. I guess we’ll have to cancel the picnic.
  
  raining very hard, heavy rain
  big drops of rain
  rain coming from grey clouds
  
  
• 2. Susanne has always been the APPLE OF MY EYE.
  
  the person I give most attention to
  my best friend
  a most special, important person
  
  
• 3. We HAD A WHALE OF A TIME at Tom's birthday party.
  
  time passed quickly
  had an exciting, fun time
  stayed long
  
  
• 4. Carl was BORN WITH A SILVER SPOON. He’s always had it easier than us.
  
  was a happy baby
  born into wealth, advantageous position
  showed early signs of talent
  
  
• 5. Is she PLAYING MUSICAL CHAIRS? I can’t believe she’s changed jobs again!
  
  to play children's games
  to pretend to be unhappy at work
  to move from one job to another
  
  
• 6. Melanie was out shopping with her friends and managed to spend over £2000. She HAS MONEY TO BURN!
  
  has a lot of money and spends large amounts
  inherited a big sum
  doesn't know how to spend money
  
  
• 7. Kim didn’t steal the car. The police are really BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE.
  
  behaving like angry dogs
  believing the wrong explanation for something
  getting angry for no reason
  
  
• 8. I just can’t believe you did that. Wait a minute, are you TAKING ME FOR A RIDE?
  
  to take someone for a drive around your neighbourhood
  to deceive someone, make someone believe something is true