The best replacement for metaphors is similes.

The best alternatives to metaphors are rated as following:
★★★★★  similes
★★★★  analogies
★★★  simile
★★  idioms
★  symbols
★  similes rappers
★  symbolism
  analogy
  smilies

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Speaking about metaphors, one probably shouldn't forget about robert frost.

Other search terms related to metaphors and their ratings are:
★★★★★ robert frost
★ picture books
poetry
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