Transparency is a two way sword

This gem was uttered by James Clapper, the former Director of National Intelligence, on CNN’s The Axe Files with David Axelrod.  It is a mashup of “double-edged sword” (something that can be both beneficial and problematic) and “two-way street” (a situation where both sides must put forth an equal amount of effort to get a desired result).  The reason for the mixup is obvious:  “double” means “two”.  Also, the two expressions are close in meaning.  A big thanks to James Kozlowski for hearing this one and sending it in.

Did you like this mental hiccup?  Check out my book on Malaphors on Amazon.   It’s called “He Smokes Like a Fish and other Malaphors” and is only $6.99!  That’s five cents a malaphor.  Cheap laughs, right?