The figure of speech demonstrated by "to yield and to preserve whole" is what?

• A. Metonymy
• B. Irony
• C. Hyperbole
• D. Synecdoche

Answer: (D)

This question focuses on how a part–whole relationship is used in figurative language. Synecdoche occurs when a part stands for the whole, or the whole stands for a part.

In the expression “to yield and to preserve whole,” the idea centers on describing the entire entity through its essential function—yielding and preserving—as a way to reference the whole object. This use of describing the whole by its characteristic action fits the pattern of using the whole to represent the entire thing, which is the essence of synecdoche.

Other figures wouldn’t fit as neatly: metonymy relies on a closely related concept or attribute (like using the word “crown” to stand for royalty), while irony and hyperbole depend on contrast or exaggeration rather than a part–whole reference.