Spotted in: Dozens of public statements, metaphors, and media interviews
We think analogies explain.
But what they really do is reposition our thinking through contrast.
An analogy works because two different things are similar in a meaningful way and that gap between them forces reevaluation.
A good analogy:
- Yanks the conversation into a more emotionally charged context
- Juxtaposes values from one domain onto another (e.g. safety, freedom, urgency)
- Changes the stakes by implying you’ve misunderstood the risk, responsibility, or intent
Why It Works
- Contrast is one of the most powerful framing moves. It’s how we make meaning by noticing what something isn’t.
- Analogies reframe stakes. They pull something abstract into a visceral frame (like danger, health, or injustice), making it hit harder.
- They trigger reconsideration. The moment you hear, “It’s like…,” you’re being invited to see the issue in a new light.
Takeaway for Communicators
If you’re explaining something, an analogy can help.
But if you’re reframing something, especially to challenge assumptions, you’re using contrast, whether you realize it or not.
And that contrast is where the power is.