The phrase "a literal reference" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a direct or explicit mention of something, often in contrast to figurative language.
Example: "In her essay, she made a literal reference to the text, quoting it verbatim to support her argument."
Alternatives: "an explicit mention" or "a direct citation".
"Though it's never a literal reference for me," he quickly added, noting the unexpected pops of color and shine in his fall collection.
The motif Collins most strongly associates with the character of the father, though, is the recurring line "he made change," a literal reference to his childhood jobs selling fruit at a stand outside his uncle's restaurant (the Blue Front) and working at a drugstore.
Do you understand?" The episode was titled "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot," a literal reference to the case of the week — an American soldier accused of murder because of a drone strike gone awry — and an acronymic reference to Diane's amazement at Will's continued shilly-shallying over the investigation, which she considers a danger to the firm.
Chris claimed Kate Hudson's influence on his lyrics was subtle: "More so than a literal reference to her, it's the vantage point from where I'm writing.
While the Russian artist included motifs mentioned in the story, however, Mr. Stella eschews all literal references.
Analysts such as Kate Wharton have observed that any literal references to Trevorrow's association with Sultan Iskandar was carefully omitted in all official biographies.
The literal reference is to a 1938 jazz song by Slim Gaillard and Slam Stewart, and it doesn't really matter that in their jive patois, floogie meant prostitute and floy floy meant venereal disease.
"They weren't literal references, more to set up a flavor," Mr. Savides said.
Sept. 11 and its aftermath is addressed sparingly, at least as far as literal references go.
There was something interesting about the mock Victorian elegance he seemed to be working, without the reliance on literal references.
Ms. Caratzola's canvases are classic stain paintings, employing washes of color to suggest atmospheric effects, but without literal references to specific locales.
