Translation of metaphors is one of the main stumbling blocks within the scope of Translation Studies today, even more so after the revival of the iconicity theory and the development of Cognitive Science. Metaphor is no longer regarded as a purely literary element, but has evolved into a cornerstone of any type of linguistic variation. For this reason, it must be carefully analyzed. Even today, however, two approaches can be seen as coexisting within Translation Studies- a prescriptive, more traditional approach, and a descriptive one, more in accordance with current trends of research. In this article the authors attempt to summarize the arguments from both approaches and assess their relevance.