A figure of speech in which a part represents the whole or vice versa, as in 'all hands on deck' (hands = sailors) or 'the Crown' (= the monarchy).
From Greek 'synekdoche' (simultaneous understanding), from 'syn-' (together) + 'ekdechesthai' (to receive). We use these ALL the time without realizing they're a named rhetorical device.
You use this EVERY DAY without knowing! 'Nice wheels!' (car), 'lend a hand' (person), 'boots on the ground' (soldiers) — you're saying the PART but meaning the WHOLE! Your brain does this automatically! 🧠🗣ï¸
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