Sometimes we wish to introduce a new kind of action for which there are, as yet, no accepted conventions. On the whole, however, unless we follow the major conventions, we are doomed to fail. Those who violate conventions, even when they are convinced that their new method is superior, are doomed to fail. Words alone cannot solve the problem, for there still must be some way of knowing what action and where it is to be done. This requires a convention of highlighting, or outlining, or depiction of a actionable object.
Words also cause problems with international adoption.
Alas, most people do not understand those standards. Words plus graphics are even more readily understood. Metaphor is both useful and harmful. I personally believe that metaphors are more harmful than useful, but this is a different topic for a different day. For today's topic, the problem with metaphor is that not all users may understand the point.