• We use metaphors

Conceptual metaphors are used to express complex things in terms of something else that is easier to understand. One famous example is the 'ARGUMENT IS WAR'-metaphor. By way of this metaphor, we understand expressions like:

Your claims are indefensible.
He attacked every weak point in my argument.
His criticisms were right on target.
I demolished his argument.
You disagree? Okay, shoot!
If you use that strategy, he'll wipe you out.

In the field of emotions, for example, me might understand an emotion as something that is located inside the person and tries to get out ('an outburst of anger') or an opponent who is taking control over him or her ('overwhelmed by his fear').

• We make reference to the physical effects of the emotion

For example, you get hot when you are angry or you get jittery with fear.