A theory which aims at explaining differences between metaphor and metonymy will be presented. This theory is briefly as follows: metonymic expressions are partially implicit modifier-head constructions which do not involve substitution of source referent with target referent, but in which the explicit modifier (source) and the implicit head (target) together pick out the intended referent. Interpreting a metonymy therefore involves retrieving and retaining source as well as target referents (besides working out how they are related). In metaphor, the source expression does not serve as a restrictive complement but invites the interpreter to extract at least one property of the source referent and transfer this to the target. Interpreting metaphors therefore involves retrieving and transferring properties, depriving the source expression of potential reference. (Beatrice Warren)