Illustrators, among others, try to avoid it by using several "tools". Here's "explanation". Metaphor/Simile: You're as docile (or woolly?) as a lamb. Which one is it? Metaphor = Equate. Simile = Like or as.
Juxtapose: I hate this word, but, you know. Next to. As in I draw you next to, or place you atop of a lamb.
Visual pun: In the shape of a lamb?
Repetition: As in, many lambs accompany you.
Skew: It's odd (somehow) so you see that you're related (or differently) to a lamb.
Allusion: I lift (steal) from an image, story or idea that is known. I didn't do this to my knowledge (but have before).
Isolate: I separate colors, or shapes or textures (or other elements) so you know what I mean.
Scale change: One thing is smaller or bigger than the other. As in, I make your lamb ears so large, or your skin so hairy, you can't avoid noticing.
Compare/contrast: Things are the same, or different. As in, you're soft or woolly or, conversely, not looking like a lamb.
Paradox: A man is not a lamb, is he?
Personify: I give attributes of a human, or represent as a human, not an animal. And in that vein...
Anthropomorphism: Duh, but can extend to inanimate objects or phenomena.
Metamorphosis: As in, I turn you into a lamb.
***** But you are ONE. And are loved (extraordinarily). You, Mr. Albert Lamb.
