Examples of literal and figurative

prepositions & preposition particles

Literal = Primary meaning
Figurative = Images of the literal meaning created by the mind

1.
above
Literal

a higher place e.g. birds fly above us

Figurative

superior (hierarchical) e.g. a boss, chief or head of department is above a secretary.

greater than (numerical) e.g. 12 is above 11, 11 is below 12

2.
about
Literal

Near, close to e.g. during class hours there are many students about the university

Figurative

Concerning (close to and/or surrounding a concept/idea) e.g. a movie about martial arts

On the verge of (close to) an action or occurance e.g. it's about to rain

3.
After
Literal

Subsequent to e.g. 2 comes after 1, a dog chasing after a cat

Figurative

With desire for, in search/persuit of e.g. If there's a better job I'm going after it

Directly lower in rank e.g. Silver comes after gold in terms of value
4.
Down
Literal

Low position e.g. Grass grows down on the ground

Figurative

Lowered/declined status or value (hierarchical) e.g. The Dow Jones is down, the Yen is up.

A lower emotional state than usual (hierarchical) e.g. people feel down when their pets die

5.
In
Literal

To be physically contained or surrounded e.g. Surrounded in water. Learning in a classroom

Figurative

To be immaterially contained or surrounded e.g. To be in love. Exam finals start in November

To indicate limitation/containment of state, manner etc. e.g. To speak in a whisper

6.
Off
Literal

To be away from, physically detached e.g. Take off your shoes

Figurative

Immaterial detachment e.g. Sale on now! 20% off all mobile phones

Temporary detachment from a usual state/manner e.g. (crazy or wild behavior)

Stock brokers go off when stock prices fall

7.
On
Literal

To be unified superficially e.g. The painting is on the wall, the books are on the table

Figurative

Abstract unification e.g. To be on target/time (to meet a deadline)

8.
To
Literal

Subject is physical & the object is a physical destination e.g. Let's go to the beach

Figurative

Subject may be immaterial & the object may be an immaterial destination

e.g. The answer will come to mind

9.
From
Literal

The object is physical and is the origin of the subject, also physical
e.g. Meteorites come from space

Figurative

The object is the origin of the subject which may both be immaterial
e.g. Happiness that comes from love
10.

Against
Literal

To apply an opposing force on an object for the purpose of support

e.g. The bicycle is leaning against the wall

Figurative

To have or demonstrate (apply) an opposing opinion, objective or belief

e.g. To protest against the death penalty

11.

Into
Literal

To enter e.g. Insert the ATM card into the machine

Figurative

To have entered a sub culture e.g. Many Hollywood celebrities are into Kabhala