The crossword solution for the term 'SECRET METAPHOR' is 'SKELETON'. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two different things without using the words 'LIKE' or 'AS'. A secret metaphor is a metaphor that is not widely known or understood. The term 'SKELETON' is often used AS a metaphor to describe the bare bones or essential elements of something. It can also be used to refer to the underlying structure of an idea or concept.