The extent to which contemporary Western theories of metaphor reflect definitions in Classical Greece is considered. Classical Greek writers, e.g., Aristotle, dealt with metaphor as a method by which the thought, emotion, or excitement of a writer could be transferred to readers. Subsequent interpretations of Classical Greek writings tended to narrow their definition of metaphor. From the Middle Ages to the 20th century, metaphor became defined as a field of comparisons or language embellishment. Current theories of metaphor have concentrated on its appearance in conventional, everyday language. It has been shown that everyday language is to a large extent structured around conceptual metaphors. It is suggested by these theories of metaphor that teachers should discover the metaphorical language conventions of their students and assist students to increase their interest in the uses of poetic metaphors. (LLBA 1998, vol. 32, n. 5)