This paper examines the relevance of conceptual metaphor to the task of translation. Although translation as a human activity is as old as the Babel myth, Translation Studies as a discipline is relatively new and still evolving. Guidelines for translators in English tend to see figurative language as being separate from literal. device on metaphor is often restricted to its stylistic status or genre role, or, simply to render literal translations of novel metaphors regardless of context. However, in light of the cognitive linguistic research of Lakoff and Johnson (1980), it would seem that this is insufficient, indeed irresponsible. If the translator understands the cognitive and linguistic processes behind the words or phrases employed in the source text, then s/he is in an empowered position to create a suitable equivalent text in the target language and at the same time to intelligently increase the translation's 'visibility'. The usefulness of employing conceptual metaphor when translating terminology is also examined; as is the translator's responsibility not to disrupt the integrity of the ST. (Grace Crerar-Bromelow)