Cut to the crux
Posted: November 4, 2012 Filed under: ACTION | Tags: blended idioms, crux of the matter, cut to the chase, expressions, malaphors, mixed idioms, words 2 CommentsThis classic from the “Master” mixes “cut to the chase” (get to the point) and “crux of the matter” (important point), creating perhaps a better expression as it describes going directly to the important point of a story/problem/issue. The “Master” was indeed ahead of his time, coining this beauty in 1981. Interestingly, a google search of this phrase produced over 5,000 results, making it a commonly used malaphor.
Malaphors 
Maybe The Master didn’t actually make this one up, but heard it somewhere else. Fascinating that you can pinpoint when you heard The Master tangle his tongue! (and 1981 is before I knew either of you!)
This is just one OCD thing of my past.