[kosta50]

It is a metaphor for eternal life apart from God, i.e. hell

And is there a "metaphor button" that signlas when we are to read something allegorically and when literally? Or is that up to the reader and whatever "voices" he may hear?

The word in question also means kill (literally).

[hosepipe]

[.. And is there a "metaphor button" that signlas when we are to read something allegorically and when literally? ..]

When presented with "its raining cats and dogs" the one that runs to the window to observe pets falling, is a literalist.. as the one that quoted the metaphor thionks to himself, "Duuuuugh"..