And I’ve only jumped through the first one of these hurdles

Posted: April 25, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: ACTION, hoops, hurdles, jump, THINGS | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This malaphor is similar to my posting of August 5, 2013 but bears repeating.  This is a wonderful mix of “jump through hoops” (do everything possible to please or obey someone) and “clear a hurdle” (overcome an obstacle).  The confusion lies with hoops and hurdles, things you jump through and jump over.  It was spoken by Chelsea Manning (formerly Bradley Manning) on announcing her name change.  Here is the context:

“Unfortunately, the trans* community faces three major obstacles to living a normal life in America: identity documentation, gender segregated institutions, and access to healthcare. And I’ve only just jumped through the first one of these hurdles.”

http://www.chelseamanning.org/featured/chelsea-mannings-statement-on-her-legal-name-change

Many thanks to Guy Patterson for spotting this malaphor!

How Chelsea Manning sees herself -portrait by Alicia Neal

 

 

 

We have so many hurdles to cross

Posted: February 15, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: hoops, hurdles, PLACES, river, THINGS | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This is a mash up of “clear a hurdle” (overcome an obstacle) and I think “rivers to cross” , borrowed from the great Jimmy Cliff song “Many Rivers to Cross”, based on the context of the malaphor.   “Crossed the Rubicon” (taken action with no return) also comes to mind.  “Jumping through hoops” (to do extra things to get what you want) might also be in the mix, confusing hoops and hurdles.  Thanks to Sam Edelmann for spotting this one!

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/sports/football/for-nfl-prospect-michael-sam-upbringing-was-bigger-challenge-than-coming-out-as-gay.html?_r=3

 

Jimmy Cliff. | reggae singles sleeves

we still have a lot of hurdles to jump through

Posted: August 5, 2013 | Author: | Filed under: hoops, hurdles, jump | Tags: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

This is a wonderful mix of “jump through hoops” (do everything possible to please or obey someone) and “clear a hurdle” (overcome an obstacle).  The confusion lies with hoops and hurdles, things you jump through and jump over.  It was caught by Deb Rose as she was listening to NPR.  The speaker was talking about legalizing marijuana, the possible business opportunities it might inspire, and the logistics of making that happen.  He said, “we still have a lot of hurdles to jump through.”  Yeah right.  ‘Nuff said.