An idiom is a common word or phrase with a culturally understood meaning that differs from what its composite words' denotations would suggest. For example an English speaker would understand the phrase "kick the bucket" to mean "to die" – and also to actually kick a bucket. Furthermore they would understand when each meaning is being used in context. An idiom is not to be confused with other figures of speech such as a metaphor which invokes an image by use of implicit comparisons (e.g. "the man of steel" ); a simile which invokes an image by use of explicit comparisons (e.g. "faster than a speeding bullet"); and hyperbole which exaggerates an image beyond truthfulness (e.g. like "missed by a mile" ). Idioms are also not to be confused with proverbs which are simple sayings that express a truth based on common sense or practical experience.