Where both literal and figurative uses exist, the starting point is to give priority to the literal sense. Merely knowing that a figurative reading is established does not, by itself, justify selecting it here.
«ما دام أمكن العمل بالمعنى الحقيقي سقط المعنى المجازي»
As long as the literal meaning can be applied, the figurative meaning is set aside.
For example, the Arabic word “asad” normally denotes a lion, even though it can describe a courageous person. Context or another indicator is needed to select the latter. A meaning being possible is not the same as that meaning being intended in this occurrence.
«لأن المجاز لا يزاحم الحقيقة»
Because a figurative reading does not compete with the literal reading.
The literal sense retains priority when it is operative; a merely possible secondary sense does not displace it.