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A mixed metaphor, shortened as “mixaphor,” is a figurative device that occurs when two metaphors are mixed up creating an incongruous comparison. A mixed metaphor, sometimes also called a “malaphor,” is an implicit comparison, that is often overarching, contradictory, or incompatible, between two or more dissimilar metaphors, similes ...
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. A well-crafted metaphor uses consistent imagery ("hitting the nail on the ...
The speaker uses a mixed metaphor to set out the evening sky. The first metaphor compares the evening sky to something that is “spread out.”. It describes a flat and expansive surface. The second metaphor compares the evening sky to a patient who has been anesthetized (etherized)and is lying on a table likely in preparation for surgery ...
Jun 25, 2024 · The definition of a mixed metaphor is the fusion of two different metaphors to create an illogical comparison. While a metaphor uses consistent language and imagery (e.g., “He’s got a chip on his shoulder;” “He’s got something up his sleeve”), a mixed metaphor blurs the imagery by combining two dissimilar or impossible things (e.g ...
May 30, 2019 · Examples of Mixed Metaphors. "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 ...
- Richard Nordquist
Aug 16, 2024 · Overloading your writing with mixed metaphors can be overwhelming and confusing for readers. Use them as a spice, not the main ingredient. Aim for Humor: The best mixed metaphors often incite a chuckle. Embrace the absurdity! Maintain Context: While mixed metaphors are inherently nonsensical, they should still fit the context of your writing or ...
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Jun 6, 2019 · Updated on June 06, 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.
