This work investigates the cognitive function and linguistic mechanics of metaphor, arguing that it operates through the transference of meaning between structured semantic fields rather than between individual terms. Eva Feder Kittay, a philosopher specializing in language and cognitive theory, constructs a rigorous framework to explain how metaphoric projection reorders conceptual domains. By analyzing the relationship between literal and figurative language, she demonstrates that metaphor is not merely an ornamental device but a fundamental tool for cognitive organization and knowledge acquisition.

Scholars and philosophers frequently cite this text as a foundational contribution to the study of metaphor within the analytic tradition. Readers often note the high level of academic density, which requires a strong background in semantic theory to fully appreciate the author's systematic approach.