Final answer:
The phrase "The issue is a spider's web of interconnected elements" is an example of a metaphor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "The issue is a spider's web of interconnected elements" is an example of a metaphor. A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unrelated things without using the words 'like' or 'as'. In this example, the issue is compared to a spider's web to convey the idea of complexity and interconnectedness.
Learn more about Similes, Metaphors, and Analogies