Metaphors Aren’t Antisocial — But They Don’t Always Mix Well

Texas Style

Here are some more musings on metaphors. Mixing metaphors — combining two unrelated idioms — is considered a grammatical faux pas. But in the right circumstances, mixing metaphors fosters a more creative comparison, makes your readers think, and may even produce chuckles.

Don’t eat with your mouth open for business.

I’ll ride shotgun in the backseat.

Earl tucked tail and left in a cloud of smoke.

When life hands you a lemon, make an ice cream sundae.

Shape up or sink like a stone.

Don’t count your chickens before you put their eggs in your basket.

Beating around the bush may get you in deep water. Cross that bridge after you’ve burned it.

The quiet before the storm preceded a blast from the past.

Wake up and smell the writing on the wall.

If you lie down with dogs, you’ll wake up in hot water.

Finally, what would a tip on mixing metaphors be without mentioning the master metaphor-mixer, Yogi Berra? Here are a few of my favorite Yogi-isms:

“Pair up in threes.”

“Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel.”

“The future ain’t what it used to be.”

“No one goes there [restaurant] anymore, it’s too crowded.”

“Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.”

“When you come to a fork in the road, take it!”