Nyāya Sūtras 56

Metaphorical quibble (upacāracchala) is the denial of the true existence of the object when a modification of property is indicated.

The property of an expression is usage in its literal sense; modification of property is usage in another sense of what is seen in one place. When this is indicated—[that is,] when a modification of property is indicated, as in "The platforms cry out,"—there is a denial based on the literal existence of the object:

"The men standing on the platforms cry out, but the platforms do not cry out." What, then, is the justification of an alternative meaning here? Presuming the meaning otherwise when it was used otherwise; presuming primary meaning when it was used metaphorically. Quibble regarding metaphor is metaphorical quibble. Metaphor is figurative meaning based on coexistence and so forth; metaphor is designation [of something] as that when it is not that. The resolution here [is]: In established usage, the assent to or denial of word and meaning is according to the speaker's intention, not arbitrarily. The usage of both a primary word and a metaphorical, secondary [word] is established in the world. Usage being established, the word and meaning should be accepted or denied according to the speaker's intention, not arbitrarily. If the speaker uses a primary word, the acceptance or denial is of it as it is, not arbitrarily. If [he uses] a secondary one, then of the secondary one. Where, however, the speaker uses a secondary word and the opponent denies it by presuming a primary one, that denial occurs by his own whim; it is not a refutation of the other.