The fireflies flitted through the air like tiny lanterns.
Meaning: This means the fireflies were flying around and glowing like little lights.
Choice of Words: Fireflies are small, flying insects that produce light. Flitted means to move quickly and lightly. Lanterns are devices that produce light. By saying The fireflies flitted through the air like tiny lanterns, you are comparing the movement of fireflies to the fluttering of lanterns in the air.
Alternative Expressions
Related Expressions