> I wouldn't even have a job if they didn't give me money for it, but I would have a family. See the crystal clear difference? Yes, crystal clear, but this is

> I wouldn't even have a job if they didn't give me money for it, but I would have a family. See the crystal clear difference? Yes, crystal clear, but this is the difference between taking it literally and its intended use as a metaphor. Just as "his words cut deep as a knife" doesn't mean that the words were literally as damaging as being stabbed, and "They are walking a real tightrope in that meeting" doesn't mean someone could literally fall and die, "we are like a family" doesn't mean you are making a life-long commitment to the organisation which would continue without pay. And sure, you could say 'friends' instead, but then maybe someone else taking your statement too literally would say "well I don't want to be friends with everyone, I just work 9-5 and don't really like the lady in the accounts department because she is rude". "Well", you might say, "tough - get along with them and treat them with respect. You might not like them, but you have to learn to tolerate each other and still be kind as you can't pick who you work with" (almost like a family?).