A conceptual metaphor is a cognitive framework that helps people understand one idea or concept in terms of another. For example, when we say "time is money," we use the concept of money to understand the abstract idea of time. This allows us to grasp complex ideas by relating them to more familiar experiences. These metaphors shape our thoughts, language, and actions, influencing how we perceive the world. They are not just linguistic expressions but also reflect underlying patterns in our thinking. By recognizing these metaphors, we can better understand how language and thought are interconnected in our daily lives.