Which statement is an example of a metaphor?

The correct answer is "Time is a thief." This statement functions as a metaphor because it directly compares time to a thief without using "like" or "as." In this case, it suggests that time can stealthily take away moments and opportunities from our lives just as a thief would steal something valuable. This figurative language helps convey the idea that time passes quickly and can take away experiences or youth without being explicit about it.

In contrast, the other examples either employ similes or personification. The first statement compares bravery to that of a lion using "as," which defines it as a simile. The third statement gives human traits to the wind, which is an example of personification. The second choice, while it suggests a comparison, functions more as a statement of philosophy rather than a strong metaphor.