Datasets:

metalex001
/

metalex

id stringlengths 14 14	metaphor stringlengths 6 37	literal_text stringlengths 17 113	image stringlengths 25 25	correct_definition stringlengths 5 565	choices listlengths 5 5	answer stringlengths 5 90	split stringclasses 1 value	source stringclasses 1 value
metalex_000000	couch potato	There is a potato on a couch.	images/metalex_000000.png	A person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, often watching television, eating snacks or drinking alcohol.	[ "A person who is very sedentary, often watching TV and snacking.", "A type of living-room furniture designed for comfort.", "A diet based mainly on potatoes and other starches.", "A farmer who grows potatoes for a living.", "None of the above." ]	A person who is very sedentary, often watching TV and snacking.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000001	newspaper	There is a piece of paper with news written.	images/metalex_000001.png	The news organization that produces such a publication.	[ "The media organization or company behind the paper.", "A single printed sheet used to wrap fragile items.", "The set of current events happening in the world.", "A person who sells papers on the street.", "None of the above." ]	The media organization or company behind the paper.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000002	glass ceiling	There is a room with a ceiling made of glass.	images/metalex_000002.png	An unrecognized or unwritten barrier to further progression or promotion, in employment and elsewhere, for a member of a specific demographic group (originally women). or A barrier to progression that is not obvious.	[ "An unseen barrier limiting advancement for certain groups.", "A modern architectural feature that brightens indoor spaces.", "The highest rung of a company’s pay scale.", "A safety hazard caused by fragile overhead glass.", "None of the above." ]	An unseen barrier limiting advancement for certain groups.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000003	fire drill	There are people with fire safety equipment.	images/metalex_000003.png	Any pointless, unproductive, useless, or chaotic activity.	[ "A chaotic, unproductive, pointless activity.", "A scheduled evacuation practice for fire safety.", "A device firefighters use to break doors.", "A strict training session for firefighters.", "None of the above." ]	A chaotic, unproductive, pointless activity.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000004	boot camp	There are boots in a camp.	images/metalex_000004.png	Any short, often intensive course of training.	[ "A short, intensive training course in any field.", "A store that sells boots and outdoor gear.", "A holiday camp where people relax outdoors.", "A punishment involving military-style discipline only.", "None of the above." ]	A short, intensive training course in any field.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000005	black sheep	There is a sheep with black wool.	images/metalex_000005.png	A nonconformist; an unusual or unconventional person, who may be rejected or disdained by others for this reason. or A person who is not wholesome, honest, or trustworthy. or A worker who refuses to strike; a scab.	[ "A family or group member seen as a disgraced outsider.", "A rare breed of sheep valued for dark wool.", "A person who is extremely shy and quiet.", "A leader who is admired by everyone.", "None of the above." ]	A family or group member seen as a disgraced outsider.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000006	cold snap	There is snapped ice on the ground.	images/metalex_000006.png	A short and sudden period of cold weather.	[ "A brief, sudden spell of cold weather.", "A loud sound made when ice cracks in winter.", "A method of freezing food quickly for storage.", "A type of winter clothing fastener.", "None of the above." ]	A brief, sudden spell of cold weather.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000007	heat wave	There is visible heat in the air.	images/metalex_000007.png	A period of exceptionally hot weather.	[ "A sustained period of unusually hot weather.", "The visible shimmering distortion above hot surfaces.", "A wave machine used at a swimming pool.", "A kind of fever that spreads through a city.", "None of the above." ]	A sustained period of unusually hot weather.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000008	clamshell	There is a clam with its shell open.	images/metalex_000008.png	Any object that, in (literal or figurative) resemblance to the shell of a clam, has a hinge on one edge and two surfaces that close together.	[ "A hinged object that opens and closes like a clam shell.", "A seafood dish served with melted butter.", "A hard hat used by construction workers.", "A protective case that is completely flexible.", "None of the above." ]	A hinged object that opens and closes like a clam shell.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000009	snake oil	There is a bottle of oil and a snake.	images/metalex_000009.png	A fraudulent, ineffective potion or nostrum; panacea. or Any product with exaggerated marketing but questionable or unverifiable quality.	[ "A fraudulently marketed cure or product with dubious value.", "A traditional medicine made from reptiles that is proven effective.", "A lubricant used for handling snakes safely.", "A spicy cooking oil used in certain cuisines.", "None of the above." ]	A fraudulently marketed cure or product with dubious value.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000010	songbird	There is a small bird singing on a branch.	images/metalex_000010.png	A person, especially a woman, with a melodious voice.	[ "A person known for a beautiful singing voice.", "Any bird species that migrates long distances.", "A device that can record and play back songs.", "A musical note written in blue ink.", "None of the above." ]	A person known for a beautiful singing voice.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000011	boiling point	There is a pot of water producing steam.	images/metalex_000011.png	The state of being heated, with high aggression.	[ "The moment someone becomes extremely angry or aggressive.", "The temperature at which a liquid turns to vapor.", "A point on a map where hot springs emerge.", "A cooking technique involving slow simmering.", "None of the above." ]	The moment someone becomes extremely angry or aggressive.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000012	backwater	There is still water separated from a flowing river.	images/metalex_000012.png	A remote place: somewhere that remains unaffected by new events, progresses, ideas, etc; any field of endeavor that figuratively resembles such a place.	[ "A remote, stagnant place untouched by progress.", "A freshwater reservoir used for irrigation.", "A fashionable city district with nightlife.", "Any coastal region with strong tides.", "None of the above." ]	A remote, stagnant place untouched by progress.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000013	red tape	There is tape colored red.	images/metalex_000013.png	Time-consuming regulations or bureaucratic procedures.	[ "Excessive bureaucracy and burdensome procedures.", "Adhesive tape used for sealing packages.", "A security cordon used at crime scenes.", "A warning ribbon that marks hazards only.", "None of the above." ]	Excessive bureaucracy and burdensome procedures.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000014	wooden spoon	There is a spoon made of wood.	images/metalex_000014.png	An ironic prize for finishing last in a competition.	[ "An ironic award for finishing last.", "A utensil used for stirring soups and sauces.", "A prize given for best cooking performance.", "A tool used to measure wood moisture.", "None of the above." ]	An ironic award for finishing last.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000015	dead end	There is a road that stops and goes no further.	images/metalex_000015.png	A street or path or tunnel that goes nowhere or is blocked on one end.	[ "A route that goes nowhere / is blocked at one end.", "A fast lane used to overtake traffic.", "A road that loops back to its start.", "A shortcut that saves time and distance.", "None of the above." ]	A route that goes nowhere / is blocked at one end.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000016	hot potato	There is a very hot potato.	images/metalex_000016.png	An unwanted problem that is awkward or delicate.	[ "A sensitive, awkward issue people avoid handling.", "A potato dish served very spicy and hot.", "A valuable opportunity everyone wants to keep.", "A person who is calm under pressure.", "None of the above." ]	A sensitive, awkward issue people avoid handling.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000017	butterfingers	A person has butter on their fingers.	images/metalex_000017.png	Someone who tends to drop things; (more generally) someone who is clumsy or uncoordinated; a klutz. or One's fingers which tend to drop things, or are clumsy or uncoordinated. or A tendency to drop things, or to be clumsy or uncoordinated.	[ "Someone who is clumsy and keeps dropping things.", "A person who cooks professionally with butter.", "Fingers stained yellow from cooking spices.", "A medical condition causing numb fingertips.", "None of the above." ]	Someone who is clumsy and keeps dropping things.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000018	field day	People are standing in a field.	images/metalex_000018.png	A great time or a great deal to do; a period of bustling activity. or A great time or a great deal to do, at somebody else's expense.	[ "A time of great excitement or plenty of activity (often at others’ expense).", "A day reserved for planting crops and tending animals.", "A national holiday celebrating agriculture.", "A day when fields are closed to the public.", "None of the above." ]	A time of great excitement or plenty of activity (often at others’ expense).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000019	stepping stone	There are stones placed across water to step on.	images/metalex_000019.png	Something used as a way to progress to something or somewhere else.	[ "Something used as a stage to reach a bigger goal.", "A decorative stone used in garden design only.", "A problem that prevents progress entirely.", "A reward given after finishing a project.", "None of the above." ]	Something used as a stage to reach a bigger goal.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000020	stonewall	There is a wall made of stones.	images/metalex_000020.png	An obstruction. or A refusal to cooperate. or An alcoholic drink popular in colonial America, consisting of apple cider (or sometimes applejack) mixed with rum (or sometimes gin or whisky).	[ "To obstruct or refuse to cooperate / block progress.", "A kind of garden wall built from stacked stones.", "A popular drink made from cider and spirits.", "A technique for polishing stone surfaces.", "None of the above." ]	To obstruct or refuse to cooperate / block progress.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000021	smoking gun	There is a gun with smoke coming from it.	images/metalex_000021.png	Evidence, particularly of a crime, that is difficult or impossible to dispute.	[ "Conclusive evidence that is hard to deny.", "A firearm that has recently been fired.", "A person who smokes while hunting.", "A rumor that spreads quickly online.", "None of the above." ]	Conclusive evidence that is hard to deny.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000022	ivory tower	There is a tall tower made of ivory.	images/metalex_000022.png	A sheltered, overly-academic existence or perspective, implying a disconnection or lack of awareness of reality or practical considerations.	[ "An isolated academic mindset detached from real-world concerns.", "A historic palace built from ivory materials.", "A corporate headquarters in a wealthy district.", "A tourist attraction known for tall white spires.", "None of the above." ]	An isolated academic mindset detached from real-world concerns.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000023	milestone	There is a stone marking distance on a road.	images/metalex_000023.png	An important event in a person's life or career, in the history of a nation, in the life of some project, etc.	[ "A major achievement or important stage in progress.", "A stone marker that shows distance on roads.", "A small obstacle that slows travel slightly.", "A celebratory party held at noon.", "None of the above." ]	A major achievement or important stage in progress.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000024	paper trail	Papers form a path on the floor.	images/metalex_000024.png	A written record, history, or collection of evidence. or Records left by a person or organization in the course of activities.	[ "Documentary records that can be followed as evidence.", "A messy office floor covered with documents.", "A hobby of making origami animals.", "A path through a forest marked with signs.", "None of the above." ]	Documentary records that can be followed as evidence.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000025	marketplace	There are stalls where goods are sold.	images/metalex_000025.png	The space, actual or metaphorical, in which a market operates.	[ "The arena (literal or abstract) where buying and selling occurs.", "A single store that sells groceries.", "A government office that sets prices.", "A warehouse used only for storage.", "None of the above." ]	The arena (literal or abstract) where buying and selling occurs.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000026	green light	There is a green light.	images/metalex_000026.png	Approval, or permission to proceed.	[ "Permission or approval to proceed.", "A lamp that emits green-colored light.", "A warning that something is dangerous.", "A requirement to stop immediately.", "None of the above." ]	Permission or approval to proceed.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000027	banana republic	There are buildings with banana symbols.	images/metalex_000027.png	A small country, especially one in Central America or the West Indies, that is dependent on a single export commodity (traditionally bananas) and that has a corrupt, dictatorial government.	[ "A corrupt, unstable state reliant on a single export commodity.", "A tropical country that produces many kinds of fruit.", "A democracy with very transparent institutions.", "A supermarket chain specializing in bananas.", "None of the above." ]	A corrupt, unstable state reliant on a single export commodity.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000028	loose cannon	A canon is on a slope.	images/metalex_000028.png	An uncontrolled or unpredictable person, especially considered liable to cause unintentional or indiscriminate damage.	[ "An unpredictable person likely to cause trouble unintentionally.", "A weapon that is not properly secured on a ship.", "A confident leader who is always reliable.", "A strict rule that prevents accidents.", "None of the above." ]	An unpredictable person likely to cause trouble unintentionally.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000029	deep water	There is water that extends far below the surface.	images/metalex_000029.png	A difficult or embarrassing situation.	[ "A situation that is difficult, risky, or embarrassing to handle.", "Water that is safe for beginners to swim in.", "A place where fish are easy to catch.", "A shallow puddle after rain.", "None of the above." ]	A situation that is difficult, risky, or embarrassing to handle.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000030	hookworm	There is a worm with a curved front end.	images/metalex_000030.png	Infection with one of these parasites.	[ "An infection caused by hookworm parasites.", "Any worm shaped like a hook found in gardens.", "A computer virus that spreads by email.", "A fishing hook used for catching worms.", "None of the above." ]	An infection caused by hookworm parasites.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000031	showdown	There are two people facing each other.	images/metalex_000031.png	The final battle between two opponents, in which there can be only one victor.	[ "A decisive final confrontation between opponents.", "A friendly meeting to resolve small issues.", "A performance staged for entertainment only.", "A negotiation where everyone wins equally.", "None of the above." ]	A decisive final confrontation between opponents.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000032	high noon	The sun is directly overhead in the sky.	images/metalex_000032.png	Exactly noon; midday (when the sun is at its highest). or The zenith or apex of one's life or of a certain activity or era. or A time, set out in advance, at which an important decision is to be made or a nemesis is to be confronted.	[ "Exactly midday / the peak moment / a fateful appointed time.", "Early morning just after sunrise.", "Late night when the moon is highest.", "A time when shadows become very long.", "None of the above." ]	Exactly midday / the peak moment / a fateful appointed time.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000033	red flag	There is a red flag attached to a pole.	images/metalex_000033.png	Something that will enrage a particular person; a red rag.	[ "Something that provokes anger or outrage in someone.", "A warning sign indicating a problem in a relationship.", "A literal flag used for signaling danger.", "A prize awarded for winning a race.", "None of the above." ]	Something that provokes anger or outrage in someone.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000034	gold mine	There is a tunnel in the ground with gold visible in the rock.	images/metalex_000034.png	A very profitable economic venture. or A plentiful stockpile of something sought-after.	[ "A rich source of profit or valuable information/resources.", "A dangerous workplace deep underground.", "A showy luxury item made of gold.", "A financial loss that drains money quickly.", "None of the above." ]	A rich source of profit or valuable information/resources.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000035	housekeeping	There are cleaning tools inside a house.	images/metalex_000035.png	The chores of maintaining a house as a residence, especially cleaning.	[ "Routine maintenance chores, especially cleaning.", "Decorating a home with art and furniture.", "Building a new house from scratch.", "Moving to a new apartment.", "None of the above." ]	Routine maintenance chores, especially cleaning.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000036	blind date	There are two people wearing blindfolds sitting facing each other at a table with a candle and food plates on it.	images/metalex_000036.png	A date (romantic meeting) between two people who have never met before.	[ "A romantic meeting between people who haven’t met before.", "A date where neither person can see due to blindfolds.", "A meeting with a doctor for an eye exam.", "A planned breakup conversation.", "None of the above." ]	A romantic meeting between people who haven’t met before.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000037	dark horse	There is a dark-colored horse.	images/metalex_000037.png	Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others. or A candidate for an election who is nominated unexpectedly, without previously having been discussed or considered as a likely choice.	[ "An unexpected contender with hidden strengths.", "A horse with a darker coat than others.", "A person who is openly favored to win.", "A candidate chosen only because of wealth.", "None of the above." ]	An unexpected contender with hidden strengths.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000038	front runner	There is one runner ahead of other runners.	images/metalex_000038.png	Any of the most likely winners in a contest, election, etc.	[ "The leading candidate most likely to win.", "A person who runs at the front in a race only.", "Someone who always finishes last.", "A referee who starts the race.", "None of the above." ]	The leading candidate most likely to win.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000039	rush hour	There are many cars closely packed on a road.	images/metalex_000039.png	The times of the day when traffic jams are commonplace, due mainly to people commuting to or from work.	[ "Peak commuting times when traffic is heaviest.", "A one-hour race where people run quickly.", "The hour when shops offer big discounts.", "A time when roads are completely empty.", "None of the above." ]	Peak commuting times when traffic is heaviest.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000040	center field	There is an open area at the center of a sports field.	images/metalex_000040.png	A central role in some activity that requires speed.	[ "A central, high-visibility role (especially in fast-paced activity).", "The middle area of a baseball outfield.", "A quiet background job with no impact.", "A position that always avoids attention.", "None of the above." ]	A central, high-visibility role (especially in fast-paced activity).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000041	fine print	There is very small text printed at the bottom of a page.	images/metalex_000041.png	The details, restrictions, terms, or conditions, especially of a contract, often printed in very small type.	[ "Hidden or detailed terms and conditions, often in contracts.", "Beautiful typography used in books.", "A printer setting for higher-quality ink.", "A short summary at the top of a document.", "None of the above." ]	Hidden or detailed terms and conditions, often in contracts.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000042	red light	There is a red colored light.	images/metalex_000042.png	A denial to proceed a ruling out of any possibility.	[ "A stop / denial / refusal to proceed.", "A traffic signal indicating vehicles should stop.", "A sign that something is approved.", "A request to speed up quickly.", "None of the above." ]	A stop / denial / refusal to proceed.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000043	root canal	There is a root inside a canal.	images/metalex_000043.png	A surgical operation on a root canal (endodontic therapy), typically filling it with gutta-percha.	[ "A dental procedure treating a tooth’s root canal.", "A river channel carved by tree roots.", "A painful argument between friends.", "A style of underground tunnel construction.", "None of the above." ]	A dental procedure treating a tooth’s root canal.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000044	private eye	There is a eye surrounded by fence.	images/metalex_000044.png	A private personal detective, employed to gather information about someone.	[ "A private detective / investigator.", "An eye condition affecting vision privately.", "A secret camera hidden in a room.", "A person who never shares opinions.", "None of the above." ]	A private detective / investigator.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000045	soft spot	There is a patch of wood that is softer than the surrounding area.	images/metalex_000045.png	A sentimental fondness or affection.	[ "A tender affection or fondness for someone/something.", "A weak point in armor that breaks easily.", "A patch of wood that is too soft to use.", "A strict dislike or hatred toward someone.", "None of the above." ]	A tender affection or fondness for someone/something.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000046	hindquarter	There is the rear part of a house.	images/metalex_000046.png	Human behind, butt.	[ "A person’s butt / rear end (informal).", "The rear section of a horse’s body.", "A type of saddle used for riding.", "A kitchen cut of meat only.", "None of the above." ]	A person’s butt / rear end (informal).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000047	track record	There is a train track and a vinyl record placed next to each other.	images/metalex_000047.png	The past performance of a person, organization, or product, viewed in its entirety and usually for the purpose of making a judgment.	[ "Someone’s history of past performance and results.", "A vinyl record collection stored near a rail track.", "A single recent achievement only.", "A promise about future outcomes with no evidence.", "None of the above." ]	Someone’s history of past performance and results.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000048	hatchet man	There is a man holding a small axe.	images/metalex_000048.png	A male who carries out brutal and unpleasant duties on behalf of another, such as firing dead wood employees.	[ "A person hired to do harsh, unpleasant tasks for someone else.", "A professional lumberjack who chops wood for pay.", "A mediator who resolves conflicts gently.", "A person who repairs broken tools.", "None of the above." ]	A person hired to do harsh, unpleasant tasks for someone else.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000049	chess piece	There is a single chess piece on a board.	images/metalex_000049.png	A person being manipulated by another, being used to some end.	[ "A person being used/manipulated as part of someone else’s plan.", "A carved object used in the board game chess.", "A leader who controls others independently.", "A referee who enforces game rules.", "None of the above." ]	A person being used/manipulated as part of someone else’s plan.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000050	eyeblink	There is one eye open and one eye closed.	images/metalex_000050.png	A moment (a very short period of time).	[ "A very brief moment of time.", "A medical reflex test done by doctors.", "A long period lasting many hours.", "A permanent closing of the eyelid.", "None of the above." ]	A very brief moment of time.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000051	big wheel	There is a large wheel structure with seats attached.	images/metalex_000051.png	A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.	[ "A powerful, influential person in an organization.", "A large carnival ride with passenger cabins.", "A vehicle part used for heavy trucks.", "A person who is physically tall.", "None of the above." ]	A powerful, influential person in an organization.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000052	ground floor	There is the lowest level of a building at street level.	images/metalex_000052.png	The initial stage of a project.	[ "The beginning stage of a venture (getting in early).", "The lowest floor of a building at street level.", "The final stage after everything is complete.", "A rooftop level with a garden.", "None of the above." ]	The beginning stage of a venture (getting in early).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000053	rainy day	There is rain falling onto the ground.	images/metalex_000053.png	A difficult period of need, in reference to a time when money will be needed.	[ "A future time of need or hardship (for which to save).", "A day with precipitation and cloudy skies.", "A celebration held outdoors in wet weather.", "A day when all plans must be canceled by law.", "None of the above." ]	A future time of need or hardship (for which to save).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000054	sell-by date	There is "12/10/2009" printed on food packaging.	images/metalex_000054.png	An indication that something, or someone, is old and out of date.	[ "A point after which someone/something is considered outdated.", "The last legal date a store may sell a product.", "A date printed for decoration only.", "A guaranteed freshness date for unopened items forever.", "None of the above." ]	A point after which someone/something is considered outdated.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000055	mother hen	There is a hen standing over eggs.	images/metalex_000055.png	An outspoken and overprotective woman or person dealing with others' affairs; especially, an assertive matriarch.	[ "An overly protective, fussing person (often a woman).", "A chicken that lays eggs and guards them.", "A person who avoids responsibility entirely.", "A strict manager focused only on profits.", "None of the above." ]	An overly protective, fussing person (often a woman).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000056	party animal	There are few animals standing in a line with party hats and confetti.	images/metalex_000056.png	A person known for frequent, enthusiastic attendance at parties, especially one whose partying behavior is exuberant or excessive.	[ "Someone who parties frequently and enthusiastically.", "A literal animal kept at celebrations for show.", "A person who dislikes crowds and stays home.", "A professional event planner only.", "None of the above." ]	Someone who parties frequently and enthusiastically.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000057	price tag	There is a small tag with numbers attached to an item.	images/metalex_000057.png	The price at which something is offered for sale.	[ "The stated cost of something for sale.", "A tag used only for product names.", "A discount coupon with hidden codes.", "A penalty fee charged for late payment only.", "None of the above." ]	The stated cost of something for sale.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000058	free lunch	There is food on the floor.	images/metalex_000058.png	Something obtained without any payment, obligation or effort.	[ "Something gained without cost, obligation, or effort.", "Food that falls on the floor and is wasted.", "A workplace meal that must be paid back later.", "A diet plan focused on skipping meals.", "None of the above." ]	Something gained without cost, obligation, or effort.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000059	horsetrading	Two people stand with horses and exchange money notes.	images/metalex_000059.png	Informal negotiating, especially when complex or clever in nature.	[ "Hard bargaining / informal negotiation, often shrewd.", "The business of buying and selling horses only.", "A friendly gift exchange with no bargaining.", "A formal debate governed by strict rules.", "None of the above." ]	Hard bargaining / informal negotiation, often shrewd.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000060	beauty queen	There is a woman wearing a sash on a stage.	images/metalex_000060.png	The female winner of a beauty contest.	[ "The winner of a beauty pageant.", "A monarch who rules a kingdom.", "A person who designs cosmetics professionally.", "A stage performer who is always disliked.", "None of the above." ]	The winner of a beauty pageant.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000061	firing line	People stand in a line facing targets.	images/metalex_000061.png	The vanguard of an activity.	[ "The front line / the place of greatest exposure in an activity.", "The row where guns are fired at targets.", "A line of people being dismissed from jobs.", "A safety line that prevents misfires.", "None of the above." ]	The front line / the place of greatest exposure in an activity.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000062	big spender	There are large bills spread on a table.	images/metalex_000062.png	One who frequently makes large purchases, especially of extravagant goods.	[ "Someone who spends lavishly and often extravagantly.", "A person who saves money and avoids purchases.", "A bank employee who counts cash daily.", "A thief who steals expensive items.", "None of the above." ]	Someone who spends lavishly and often extravagantly.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000063	climb down	There is a person climbing down the stairs.	images/metalex_000063.png	An abandonment, withdrawal from, or softening of a previously expressed opinion, policy, argument, etc.	[ "To backtrack or soften a previously stated position.", "To physically descend from a high place.", "To intensify an argument and refuse compromise.", "To quit a job permanently with no notice.", "None of the above." ]	To backtrack or soften a previously stated position.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000064	small print	There is very small text on a document.	images/metalex_000064.png	fine print	[ "Contract details/conditions that are easy to miss.", "A font used for children’s books.", "A short headline at the top of a page.", "A printer that makes very large posters.", "None of the above." ]	Contract details/conditions that are easy to miss.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000065	kitchen sink	Water flows into a kitchen sink.	images/metalex_000065.png	In chained or tied to the kitchen sink, etc.: domestic chores or housework, especially when regarded as menial and tedious.	[ "Domestic drudgery/housework (esp. as tedious).", "A metal basin used for washing dishes.", "A restaurant’s dishwashing station.", "A plumbing fixture used only in bathrooms.", "None of the above." ]	Domestic drudgery/housework (esp. as tedious).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000066	big money	There is a large stack of banknotes on a table.	images/metalex_000066.png	A large amount of money, especially a significant source of revenue or income. or Large corporations, the people who run them, or corporate interest generally, seen as exerting political influence and prioritising profits over other political concerns.	[ "Very large sums of money or powerful corporate financial interests.", "A single coin worth a small amount.", "A personal budget for groceries only.", "Money that is illegal in all cases.", "None of the above." ]	Very large sums of money or powerful corporate financial interests.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000067	record book	There is an open book with written records.	images/metalex_000067.png	A book which lists record-breaking achievements.	[ "A book listing record achievements and best performances.", "A notebook used to write daily thoughts.", "A music album with songs on vinyl.", "A legal document used in court only.", "None of the above." ]	A book listing record achievements and best performances.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000068	wirepuller	A wire is pulled through a pipe with a tool.	images/metalex_000068.png	A person who exercises an influence on others that is felt but not seen.	[ "A behind-the-scenes influencer who manipulates outcomes quietly.", "A technician who pulls electrical wire through conduits.", "A politician who gives public speeches daily.", "A person who always follows orders without thought.", "None of the above." ]	A behind-the-scenes influencer who manipulates outcomes quietly.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000069	paper bag	There is a paper bag open on a table.	images/metalex_000069.png	A bag made of paper, especially a firm brown kind intended for carrying groceries.	[ "A grocery bag made of paper.", "A plastic bag used for liquids.", "A luxury handbag made of leather.", "A bag used only for carrying sand.", "None of the above." ]	A grocery bag made of paper.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000070	full whack	An object hits a wall with force.	images/metalex_000070.png	The entire amount.	[ "The full amount / the whole price or quantity.", "A violent physical удар against a wall.", "A small discount applied at checkout.", "A partial payment made in advance.", "None of the above." ]	The full amount / the whole price or quantity.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000071	bleeding edge	Blood flows from a fresh cut onto gauze.	images/metalex_000071.png	Something too new and untested to be reliable or to have any assurance of safety; the figurative place where such things exist.	[ "Extremely new, cutting-edge tech that’s still risky/untested.", "A literal wound edge that is bleeding.", "A mature, stable technology used for decades.", "A medical device for stopping bleeding instantly.", "None of the above." ]	Extremely new, cutting-edge tech that’s still risky/untested.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000072	brown thumb	A person's thumb is colored brown.	images/metalex_000072.png	A lack of skill at growing plants; a poor gardening skill.	[ "Being bad at gardening / unable to keep plants alive.", "Being excellent at gardening and plant care.", "A thumb stained brown from soil.", "A medical condition causing brown skin on fingers.", "None of the above." ]	Being bad at gardening / unable to keep plants alive.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000073	green thumb	A person holds a plant and has a green-colored thumb.	images/metalex_000073.png	A natural skill for gardening.	[ "Natural talent for gardening and growing plants well.", "A thumb dyed green by paint.", "A person who hates plants and avoids gardens.", "A professional who repairs garden tools.", "None of the above." ]	Natural talent for gardening and growing plants well.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000074	gift horse	There is a box open with a horse figure inside.	images/metalex_000074.png	An apparent gift, that has substantial associated costs or drawbacks, especially a gift that does not fit perfectly with the recipient's wants or needs.	[ "A gift that carries hidden costs or drawbacks.", "A decorative object shaped like a horse.", "Traditions of gift-wrapping and presentation.", "Methods for evaluating livestock quality.", "None of the above." ]	A gift that carries hidden costs or drawbacks.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000075	rose garden	There are rose bushes growing on land.	images/metalex_000075.png	A highly desirable situation.	[ "A highly desirable or pleasant situation.", "A public botanical garden.", "A farming technique for flowers.", "A seasonal outdoor attraction.", "None of the above." ]	A highly desirable or pleasant situation.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000076	busman's holiday	A bus driver is sititng on a couch.	images/metalex_000076.png	A holiday or vacation during which one does something similar to what one does as work.	[ "A break spent doing similar work as usual.", "A national holiday for transport workers.", "A vacation involving extensive travel.", "A day of complete rest.", "None of the above." ]	A break spent doing similar work as usual.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000077	wild-goose chase	A child runs after geese that are flying away.	images/metalex_000077.png	A futile search, a fruitless errand; a useless and often lengthy task whose execution is inordinately complex relative to the value of the outcome.	[ "A futile or pointless pursuit.", "A wildlife observation activity.", "A competitive outdoor game.", "A hunting technique.", "None of the above." ]	A futile or pointless pursuit.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000078	crocodile tear	A tear falls from a crocodile’s eye.	images/metalex_000078.png	A tear shed insincerely, in a false display of sorrow or some other emotion. or A display of tears that is forced or false.	[ "An insincere display of emotion.", "A natural biological response in reptiles.", "A sign of deep genuine grief.", "A medical condition affecting tear glands.", "None of the above." ]	An insincere display of emotion.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000079	old money	Old banknotes lie on a table.	images/metalex_000079.png	Families that have been wealthy for generations or members of such families.	[ "Wealth inherited over many generations.", "Currency that is physically old.", "Antique coins and notes.", "Money that has lost value.", "None of the above." ]	Wealth inherited over many generations.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000080	bush league	A ball, a bench, bushes, and sports equipment are on the ground.	images/metalex_000080.png	A professional sports association at the lower levels of minor league organization.	[ "Something amateurish or low-quality.", "A rural sports field.", "A professional elite league.", "An agricultural competition.", "None of the above." ]	Something amateurish or low-quality.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000081	love at first sight	Two people look at each other in a café.	images/metalex_000081.png	an instantaneous attraction	[ "Immediate romantic attraction.", "Friendship developed over time.", "Admiration based on familiarity.", "A temporary curiosity.", "None of the above." ]	Immediate romantic attraction.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000082	ugly duckling	A small duck swims among other ducks.	images/metalex_000082.png	A young person who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature.	[ "Someone initially unattractive who later improves greatly.", "A permanently awkward individual.", "A rare species of bird.", "A social outcast who never changes.", "None of the above." ]	Someone initially unattractive who later improves greatly.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000083	blue note	There is a blue colored note.	images/metalex_000083.png	The flatted 5th scale degree in the blues scale. or Any of the notes that produce the characteristic clashes with the underlying harmony associated with blues music.	[ "A flattened pitch used in blues music.", "A sad written message.", "A note written in blue ink.", "A reminder card.", "None of the above." ]	A flattened pitch used in blues music.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000084	book burning	There is a book burning.	images/metalex_000084.png	Any mass destruction, removal, or recalling of books, motion pictures, broadcasts, or electronic works as a form of censorship, especially motivated by religious or political objections to the material.	[ "Censorship through destruction of media.", "A literary celebration ritual.", "Paper recycling by fire.", "Accidental property damage.", "None of the above." ]	Censorship through destruction of media.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000085	fudge factor	A piece of fudge breaks apart on a surface.	images/metalex_000085.png	A quantity introduced to compensate for uncertainty. or Any padding or compensation built into a guess or estimate. or variant of "pucker factor", meaning something is/was frightening.	[ "An adjustment added to cover uncertainty.", "A cooking technique.", "A precise scientific constant.", "A fixed safety margin.", "None of the above." ]	An adjustment added to cover uncertainty.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000086	baker's dozen	Twelve baked goods are together in a container.	images/metalex_000086.png	Thirteen; a group of thirteen.	[ "Thirteen items.", "Twelve baked goods.", "A discounted bakery offer.", "An incomplete set.", "None of the above." ]	Thirteen items.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000087	bean counter	A person counts beans and sorts them.	images/metalex_000087.png	A person who is excessively interested in controlling or reducing expenses, increasing profits, or in quantitative details in general.	[ "A numbers-obsessed accountant.", "A farmer sorting crops.", "A food quality inspector.", "A careless spender.", "None of the above." ]	A numbers-obsessed accountant.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000088	second violin	A violin is placed behind another instrument.	images/metalex_000088.png	The second violin part in an orchestral score, generally a harmony to the first violin's melody and generally less technically demanding; the violin that supplies this part, or (metonymic) the violinist who plays it.	[ "A supporting orchestral role.", "A damaged violin.", "A soloist position.", "A beginner instrument.", "None of the above." ]	A supporting orchestral role.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000089	second fiddle	A violin is placed beside another instrument.	images/metalex_000089.png	A sidekick or subordinate, or the role of such a person.	[ "A subordinate or supporting role.", "A secondary musical instrument.", "An equal partnership.", "A leadership position.", "None of the above." ]	A subordinate or supporting role.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000090	penny in the fusebox	A penny is inside a fusebox.	images/metalex_000090.png	An improvised repair made with no regard for safety.	[ "A dangerous improvised fix.", "A standard electrical repair.", "A safety device.", "A legal wiring method.", "None of the above." ]	A dangerous improvised fix.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000091	silver screen	There is a silver colored screen.	images/metalex_000091.png	Movies, or that which is related to movies or cinema.	[ "The movie industry or cinema.", "A physical projection surface.", "A television monitor.", "A lighting reflector.", "None of the above." ]	The movie industry or cinema.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000092	bad news	There is a newspaper partially covered in black ink.	images/metalex_000092.png	An irritating, troublesome or harmful object, situation or individual.	[ "A troublesome or harmful presence.", "Unfortunate newspaper headlines.", "False reporting.", "A journalist.", "None of the above." ]	A troublesome or harmful presence.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000093	charity mugger	A bowl of coins sits on a ledge.	images/metalex_000093.png	A person employed by a charity, or by an intermediary fundraising agency employed by the charity, who stands in the street and invites passersby to set up standing orders or direct debits to make regular donations to the charity.	[ "A street fundraiser who pressures passersby.", "A thief stealing donations.", "A volunteer quietly collecting coins.", "A charity accountant.", "None of the above." ]	A street fundraiser who pressures passersby.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000094	long finger	There is a long finger	images/metalex_000094.png	A state of postponement or procrastination. or Hire purchase or credit.	[ "Procrastination or delay.", "An unusually long finger.", "A physical gesture.", "A quick decision.", "None of the above." ]	Procrastination or delay.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000095	meatspace	There is cut meat on a board.	images/metalex_000095.png	The physical world, as opposed to the virtual world of the Internet.	[ "The physical, offline world.", "A butcher's workspace.", "A food preparation area.", "A virtual environment.", "None of the above." ]	The physical, offline world.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000096	shotgun wedding	People in wedding are holding guns.	images/metalex_000096.png	A wedding in which the bride is already pregnant. or A wedding which is made in haste or under duress. or Any similarly reputedly forced partnership, between people, organizations, components, or concepts.	[ "A forced or rushed marriage.", "A wedding involving firearms.", "A traditional rural ceremony.", "A celebratory event planned long in advance.", "None of the above." ]	A forced or rushed marriage.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000097	silver tongue	There is a silver colored tongue.	images/metalex_000097.png	The trait of being articulate and clever at speaking, often in a deceitful way.	[ "Persuasive, smooth, and clever speech (often misleading).", "A medical condition that makes the tongue look metallic.", "A talent for speaking multiple languages fluently.", "A metal tool used to shape speech sounds.", "None of the above." ]	Persuasive, smooth, and clever speech (often misleading).	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000098	blue-sky thinking	There is a person thinking under a blue sky.	images/metalex_000098.png	A form of thinking that is not grounded or in touch with the realities of the present, and can thus benefit from creative imagination.	[ "Free, imaginative thinking unconstrained by current practical limits.", "Weather forecasting based on clear skies.", "Daydreaming that produces no usable ideas at all.", "Careful planning based strictly on existing constraints.", "None of the above." ]	Free, imaginative thinking unconstrained by current practical limits.	test	English Wiktionary
metalex_000099	sweet tooth	There are sweets and a visible tooth.	images/metalex_000099.png	A liking for foods that are sweet; a weakness for sweets. or Someone with a liking for sweet foods.	[ "A strong liking for sugary foods.", "A tooth that has been damaged by candy.", "A craving for spicy foods.", "A dental treatment involving sugar-free fillings.", "None of the above." ]	A strong liking for sugary foods.	test	English Wiktionary

End of preview. Expand in Data Studio

MetaLex

MetaLex is a benchmark for testing literal-to-figurative grounding in vision-language models. Each item pairs a lexicalised metaphor with a literal textual paraphrase, a literal image of the metaphor's constituents, and multiple-choice figurative meanings.

Task

Given either a literal text description, a literal image, or both, a model must recover the conventional figurative meaning of the metaphor.

Example:

{
  "id": "metalex_000000",
  "metaphor": "couch potato",
  "literal_text": "There is a potato on a couch.",
  "image": "images/metalex_000000.png",
  "correct_definition": "A person who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, often watching television, eating snacks or drinking alcohol.",
  "choices": [
    "A person who is very sedentary, often watching TV and snacking.",
    "A type of living-room furniture designed for comfort.",
    "A diet based mainly on potatoes and other starches.",
    "A farmer who grows potatoes for a living.",
    "None of the above."
  ],
  "answer_index": 0,
  "answer": "A person who is very sedentary, often watching TV and snacking.",
  "split": "test",
  "source": "English Wiktionary"
}

Important label convention

The correct answer is always the first option in the released JSONL:

answer_index = 0
answer = choices[0]

The original A/B/C/D/E prefixes are removed during normalization.

Files

data/
  metalex_test.jsonl
images/
  metalex_000000.png
  metalex_000001.png
  ...
examples/
  metalex_examples.jsonl
schema.json

Data fields

Field	Description
`id`	Stable item identifier.
`metaphor`	Lexicalised metaphor string.
`literal_text`	Literal paraphrase describing only observable entities, attributes, and relations.
`image`	Relative path to the literal image.
`correct_definition`	Full figurative meaning / definition.
`choices`	Multiple-choice options with label prefixes removed.
`answer_index`	Always `0`; the correct answer is option A in the source data.
`answer`	`choices[0]`, the correct option text.
`split`	Dataset split.
`source`	Source lexicon or source description.

Construction summary

Candidate lexicalised metaphors were collected from public English figurative resources and filtered for conventionality, literal decomposability, visualisability, and non-compositional figurative meaning. Each retained item was paired with a human-written literal paraphrase and a generated literal image. The image is intended to depict only the literal scene, not the figurative meaning.

Image generation and quality control

Images are generated from the literal paraphrase only. Prompts exclude the metaphor string, figurative definition, and metaphor-related synonyms. Images are manually checked for:

fidelity to the literal paraphrase,
absence of extraneous objects or relations,
absence of unintended figurative cues,
recognisability of the key entities and attributes.

Images failing these criteria were regenerated or removed.

Evaluation protocol

The benchmark supports several diagnostic conditions:

metaphor string only: tests whether the model knows the metaphor in language,
literal text only: tests literal-text-to-figurative access,
literal image only: tests literal-image-to-figurative access,
caption-mediated: tests whether converting image information into text helps recovery,
joint text and image: tests multimodal scaffolding or interference.

Intended use

MetaLex is intended as a diagnostic benchmark for multimodal figurative-language grounding and modality-gap analysis. It is not intended as a complete inventory of English metaphors or as a general-purpose metaphor-understanding benchmark.

Limitations

The dataset focuses on English lexicalised metaphors and uses generated literal images. Multiple-choice evaluation can overestimate open-ended figurative understanding. Results should therefore be interpreted as diagnostic evidence about controlled literal-to-figurative access, not as a complete measure of metaphor comprehension.

License

CC BY 4.0.

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