Meaning: This sentence is comparing the chameleon's skin to a canvas because it is a surface that can be painted on.
Choice of Words: The word "skin" is the outer layer of an animal's body. "Canvas" is a piece of cloth that artists use to paint on.
Alternative Expressions
The chameleon's skin was like a canvas.
Meaning: This sentence means that the chameleon's skin was able to change color just like an artist can change the colors on a canvas.
Choice of Words: A chameleon is a reptile that can change its skin color to match its surroundings. Skin is the outer layer of an animal's body that protects it from the elements. A canvas is a piece of cloth or paper that artists use to paint on.
The chameleon's skin was like a rainbow.
Meaning: This sentence means that the chameleon's skin was very colorful and vibrant, just like a rainbow.
Choice of Words: A rainbow is a colorful arc that appears in the sky after it rains. It is made up of all the colors of the visible spectrum.
The chameleon's skin was like a chameleon.
Meaning: This sentence is a bit silly, but it means that the chameleon's skin was very good at changing color.
Choice of Words: A chameleon is a reptile that can change its skin color to match its surroundings.