Here's an example. Take a look at the following sentence:

"Kate has a million friends." 

The literal meaning is that Kate has exactly 1,000,000 friends.

The figurative meaning is that Kate has many friends.

Do you see the difference?


Here is another example:

"Bob fired that snake."

The literal meaning is that Bob had a snake (the animal) working for him, and he fired it.

The figurative meaning is that Bob had a very bad person working for him, and he fired that person.


Here's one final example:

"Can you give me a hand?"

The literal meaning is I am asking for your physical hand.

The figurative meaning is that I am asking for some help.

So it's important to know the difference between literal and figurative meanings.

There are different kinds of figurative language. Make sure you know and understand them properly.