Full Idea
On standard versions of the simile theory of metaphors, they mean the same as the corresponding simile.
Gist of Idea
One theory says metaphors mean the same as the corresponding simile
Source
Ofra Magidor (Category Mistakes [2013], 3.5)
Book Reference
Magidor,Ofra: 'Category Mistakes' [OUP 2013], p.68
A Reaction
Magidor points out that this allows the metaphor to work while being meaningless, since all the work is done by the perfectly meaningful simile. But the metaphor must at least mean enough to indicate what the simile is.
Related Idea
Idea 18025 The simile view of metaphors removes their magic, and won't explain why we use them [Magidor]