hyperbole

A figure of speech in which an author exaggerates on purpose in order to create an effect for the reader. An expression of exaggeration can attract attention to an idea in a poem or story. At times, an author might use hyperbole in an ironic way, by trying to make something quite unimportant sound grander than it really is. If something trivial is made to sound important, its smallness becomes even more obvious. We all use hyperbole in everyday conversation, but poets use it as part of their art.