When a word or phrase implies meaning that opposite its literal best described as?

When a word or phrase implies a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning, it's called irony.

There are different types of irony:

* Verbal irony: When someone says something that is the opposite of what they mean. For example, saying "Great weather!" when it's pouring rain.

* Situational irony: When an event occurs that is the opposite of what is expected. For example, a fire station burning down.

* Dramatic irony: When the audience knows something that the characters in a story do not. For example, when the audience knows the villain is hiding in plain sight, but the characters in the story do not.

Let me know if you want to learn more about any of these types of irony!