Literal usage keeps a word within its established signification. Majāz uses it for another meaning and supplies a contextual indicator that prevents the primary literal interpretation. In kināyah, the intended implication is conveyed while the literal meaning may remain possible.
طويل النجاد — a man with a long sword-strap — conventionally points to tall stature without excluding the literal description. By contrast, رأيت أسدًا يرمي requires interpreting “lion” as a brave man because of the action attributed to it.