What's a meta for?

Answer 1

Meta generally means about. For example, metadata (used in databases) means data about more data. A meta tag (used in creating web pages) means a tag that describes the other tags. Other definitions include: behind, beyond, and more developed.

If you are asking about a metaphor, then it is: 1 : a figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them (as in drowning in money); broadly : figurative language (from Merriam-Webster)

Some examples (from http://www.englishforums.com/English/ExamplesOfMetaphors/vvk/Post.htm)

Life is a journey, purposes are destinations, means are routes, difficulties are obstacles, counselors are guides, achievements are landmarks, choices are crossroads..

A lifetime is a day, death is sleep; a lifetime is a year, death is winter..

Life is a struggle, dying is losing a contest against an adversary..

Life is a precious possession, death is a loss..

Time is a thief..

Answer 2

Heh Heh, good one!

Metaphor-

a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance, as in “A mighty fortress is our God.”

Answer 3

for cows to graze in!