Despite the differences held by the philosophical tradition regarding the value of metaphor Derrida adds, in a deconstructive way, a perspective that claim the metaphor as the origin and source of development of philosophical thought. To account for it, this paper will make explicit at first the discussion between Ricoeur and Derrida regarding the status of metaphor in philosophy. In a second step, this will allow for clarifying contributions and limitations of the debate. This eventually plans to open a space for reflection on the current work of philosophy.