Abstract:Linguistic Adaptation Theory holds that the use of language should adapt the context, which enables people to choose linguistic expression to meet their communication purpose. This paper suggests a contextual adaptation of metaphor on the basis of the Adaptation Theory by Verschueren, proposing that metaphor is actually the outcome of linguistic choice which is inter-adaptable with language user’s mental world, social world and physical world. It complements traditional theories in compensating a fuller and more satisfactory interpretation of metaphor working mechanism as well as provides a new perspective to the explanation of metaphor.