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Hyperbole is a deliberate exaggeration for emotional effect. You can use hyperbole in both writing and speaking - your addressee is not expected to have a literal understanding of the expression.

Here are some common examples:

"I'd give my right arm to meet her."

"I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

"He was mirror-cracking ugly."

"She was as thin as a piece of paper."

"I've told you a thousand times not to do that."

"The boss is so angry, he's ready to explode."

"We've been waiting for an eternity."

"The applause brought the house down."


Synonyms: embellishment, exaggeration, overstatement

Opposite: understatement

Note: Occasional hyperbole in a speech can be quite effective; but don't overdo it though - listeners quickly get bored by repetitive use of such devices.