Like, too many similes

Similes, as I understand it, are a sub-class of metaphors, like metonyms and synecdoches. To say one’s writing is “strongly metaphorical” could therefore mean it has a lot of similes. It’s like an infant’s immune system, well fortified by the hair of many pets.

I remember that gem about not wanting to carry things up the hill that you don’t eventually use! I think it was Frank Conroy that gave it to Curtis.