(33) She annihilated him in the debate.
Metaphors are prevalent in everyday use of language. Usually, they do not occur haphazardly; the underlying basis for one metaphor is carried on in various expressions and used by different speakers. Take, for example, the time metaphor in English. For this type of metaphor, the abstract concept of time is treated as a concrete object of value which can be saved, wasted, or invested. The metaphorical sentences in (34) suggest that there is a tendency among English speakers to think of time as a commodity.
(34) a. It is a waste of time trying to change his mind.
b. He spent a lot of time writing this great novel.
c. Fixing this fax machine cost me more than an hour.
d. You should learn how to use your time more profitably.
e. The new plan will save us a lot of time.