Kinaye is one of the major figures of speech in classical rhetoric. However, it is not presented in modern works in accordance with the principles set by classical examples. In books of rhetoric the term has been explained through idioms. This has not only diminished its value but also led some researchers to provide incorrect or misleading examples for it. This study first makes a critical evaluation of the way kinaye has been defined and classified in books of rhetoric. The study then re-defines and re-presents this figure of speech based on classical examples.