When we map this Source Domain structure onto Target Domains of, for example, fairness or equity in proposals to resolve a dispute, we invoke this nearly universal bodily experience in a common sense, folk theory of justice and fairness. We elaborate on this same Source Domain to explain what we mean, to make inferences, and to draw conclusions.

Note how many of our balance metaphors derive from bodily experience on the horizontal plane, and how few on the verticle plane. If we were capable of flight (or astronauts shared more metaphor), we might have more common sense verticle plane balance metaphors. However, since some people do have experience in the verticle plane of bodily movement that allow rising versus falling, and since we have second-hand visual images of birds and planes doing so, such less common metaphors are available.

We may also use our bodily experience with balance to create novel or unexpected results.