What is a phrase that deviates from straightforward, literal language called?

A phrase that deviates from straightforward, literal language is known as a figure of speech. Figures of speech encompass a variety of linguistic techniques that authors and speakers use to add meaning, create imagery, or express emotions in more vivid or imaginative ways. This broad category includes different forms, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, all of which illustrate concepts or ideas through non-literal language.

For instance, when someone says "time is a thief," they use a figure of speech to suggest that time can steal moments from our lives, rather than implying that time literally has the capacity to commit theft. This figurative language enriches the text and allows for deeper interpretation, encouraging the audience to engage with the message beyond its surface meaning.

Other options like simile, metonymy, and hyperbole are specific types of figures of speech. A simile specifically compares two different things using "like" or "as," metonymy substitutes a name or attribute for another associated concept, and hyperbole employs exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect. While these options are all figures of speech, the term that encompasses all such non-literal expressions is "figure of speech."