Abstract

Within the framework of Cognitive Linguistics, particularly the Conceptual Metaphor Theory, this paper proposes a five-step analytical procedure for examining fixed constructions in English, with the structure “X + human body part” serving as illustrative data. The procedure involves defining data, classifying the distinction between literal and conceptual meaning, identifying source–target mappings, and modeling the recurrent conceptual patterns. The analysis demonstrates that these constructions are systematically organized by hierarchical conceptual structuring, reflecting the embodied experience and cultural conventionality.

Keywords: Cognitive Linguistics, conceptual Metaphor Theory, conceptual structuring, embodiment, fixed constructions.