Time line an expression used figuratively (5)
I believe the answer is:
trope
'an expression used figuratively' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'time line' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'line' becomes 'rope' (rope is a kind of line).
't'+'rope'='TROPE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for trope that I've seen before include "ironical expression" , "Word or expression used in a figurative way" , "Image, figure of speech" , "Word used in a figurative sense" , "Figurative use of a word, metaphor" .)