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- mixed metaphor noun [ C ] uk / ˌmɪkst ˈmet.ə.fɔː r/ us / ˌmɪkst ˈmet̬.ə.fɔːr / Add to word list a combination of two or more different metaphors, often producing a silly or humorous effect:
dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/mixed-metaphor
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.
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. This is likely to occur when you are creative and borrow ideas from various quarters or contexts potentially rendering your statement nonsensical ...
The word metaphor comes from the Greek metaphora "to transfer." With a metaphor, an idea is transferred from one word to another. It's implicit, like in this metaphor from Flannery O'Connor, "He had measured five feet four inches of pure gamecock." But don't mix them — mixed metaphors get confusing. Don't put all of your eggs in one doghouse.
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.
- Richard Nordquist
a combination of two or more different metaphors, often producing a silly or humorous effect: "The new job has allowed her to spread her wings and really blossom," is a mixed metaphor. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Figurative use of language.
Jun 16, 2023 · Mixed metaphors occur when two or more metaphors are used in the same sentence or passage, creating an inconsistent or confusing comparison. Extended metaphors are metaphors that are developed over several lines or even an entire poem or story, creating a sustained comparison between two things.
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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 ...
