Search results
Jun 6, 2019 · A mixed metaphor is a succession of incongruous or ludicrous comparisons. Also known—playfully—as a mixaphor. Although many style guides condemn the use of mixed metaphors, in practice most of the objectionable combinations (as in the examples below) are actually clichés or dead metaphors.
- Catachresis
Quintilian on Metaphor and Catachresis "The first thing that...
- Lingo
AP Deputy Managing Editor for Standards Tom Kent lays out...
- Organizational Metaphor
Examples and Observations . Kosheek Sewchurran and Irwin...
- Creative Metaphor
A creative metaphor is an original comparison that calls...
- What Are Mixed Metaphors
As defined in our glossary, a mixed metaphor is a succession...
- What Are Malaphors
Below, find some malaphors that are close, mixed-up cousins...
- What is Conceit
Examples and Observations "In general one may say that a...
- Dead Metaphors
Examples and Observations "Kansas City is oven hot, dead...
- Catachresis
Jun 21, 2022 · Mixed Metaphors Explained: 8 Examples of Mixed Metaphors. A well-crafted metaphor uses consistent imagery ("hitting the nail on the head”); when you start mixing imagery ("hitting the nail on the nose"), you can create a type of malapropism known as a mixed metaphor.
However, when these metaphors are incorporated in an illogical and inconsistent manner, they create mixed metaphors. What are Mixed Metaphors? A mixed metaphor is a mixture of two or more dissimilar, figurative elements, like metaphors, similes, and idioms, which in turn, lead to the silly or even confusing effect.
Apr 2, 2023 · Mixed metaphors create comparisons between unrelated domains. Such comparisons can be bizarre or unintentionally humorous. When used with care, mixed metaphors can be eloquent and memorable.
- Using Mixed Metaphors
- Examples of Mixed Metaphors
- Sources
In "Garner's Modern American Usage", Bryan A. Garner offers this classic example of a mixed metaphor from a speech by Boyle Roche in the Irish Parliament: This sort of mixed metaphor may occur when a speaker is so familiar with the figurative sense of a phrase ("smell a rat," "nip in the bud") that he fails to recognize the absurdity that results f...
"So now what we are dealing with is the rubber meeting the road, and instead of biting the bullet on these issues, we just want to punt.""[T]he bill is mostly a stew of spending on existing programs, whatever their warts may be.""A friend of mine, talking about the Democratic presidential candidates, tossed out a wonderful mixed metaphor: 'This is awfully weak tea to have to hang your hat on.'""The mayor has a heart as big as the Sahara for protecting 'his' police officers, and that is commendable. Unfortunately, he also often strips his gears by failing to engage the clutch when shiftin...Lynne Truss, "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation", 2003 Chicago Tribune, cited by The New Yorker, August 13, 2007 The New York Times, January 27, 2009 Montgomery Advertiser, Alabama, cited by The New Yorker, November 16, 1987 Bob Herbert, "Behind the Curtain," The New York Times, November 27, 2007 Thomas L. Friedman, ...
- Richard Nordquist
A mixed metaphor is a literary device that occurs when two or more dissimilar metaphors are fused to forge a comparison, typically creating a ludicrous effect. A mixed metaphor is not a common literary device that we often find in poetry or literature.
People also ask
What is a mixed metaphor?
How do mixed metaphors affect communication?
Is a mixed metaphor a twee?
Why are mixed metaphors frowned on?
Can a writer use mixed metaphors to explore an idea?
Are mixed metaphors haphazard?
Jan 12, 2023 · An example of a mixed metaphor is a figure of speech that just doesn't make sense. Writers often intentionally include misused metaphors to produce a comedic effect, showcasing a character’s ignorance or naivety.
