Which of the following involves a direct comparison using "is" or "was"?

The correct choice here is a metaphor, which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things by stating that one thing "is" or "was" another. This comparison helps to create a vivid image or emotional resonance without using "like" or "as," which are used in similes. For instance, saying "Time is a thief" suggests that time steals moments from us, enhancing the understanding of how fleeting time can feel.

In contrast, a simile makes a comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as brave as a lion"). Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse"). Allusion refers to a reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of art, relying on the audience's familiarity with it to convey deeper meaning. Thus, the defining characteristic of a metaphor is its use of "is" or "was" to draw direct comparisons, distinguishing it from the other options.