Figures of speech: Figurative expressions and the management of topic transition in conversation

In conversation, speakers occasionally use figurative expressions such as " had a good innings," "take with a pinch of salt," or "come to the end of he r tether." This article investigates WHERE in conversation such expressions are used, in terms of their sequential distribution. One clear distributio nal pattern is found: Figurative expressions occur regularly in topic trans ition sequences, and specifically in the turn where a topic is summarized, thereby initiating the closing of a topic. The paper discusses some of the distinctive features of the topic termination/transition sequences with whi ch figurative closings are associated, particularly participants' orientati on to their moving to new topics. Finally, the interactional use of figurat ive expressions is considered in the context of instances where their use f ails to secure topical closure, manifesting some conflict (disaffiliation, etc.) between the participants.