We missed our door of opportunity
Posted: July 27, 2012 Filed under: THINGS, TIME | Tags: blended idiom, door, expressions, maaphor, mixed idiom, window of opportunity, words 3 CommentsAt first blush, this one sounds right, but on further inspection, the speaker has apparently blended “window of opportunity” with “when one door closes, another door opens” (or maybe “open door policy”?). The resulting malaphor certainly makes sense as a window and a door are both openings and both idioms convey similar meanings. Less verbiage is always a good thing (you can quote me on that).
Spur of the minute
Posted: July 26, 2012 Filed under: TIME | Tags: blended idiom, expressions, idiom, malaphor, malaphors, mixed idiom, words Leave a commentI heard this from “the master” several times. He was never one to do things spontaneously, so I thought this malaphor expressed his actual feelings. This classic mixes “spur of the moment” with “in a minute”, implying perhaps a bit of hesitancy to a potential spontaneous action?
All your eggs lined up
Posted: July 25, 2012 Filed under: ANIMALS, FOOD, PLACES | Tags: ducks, eggs, expressions, malaphor, mixed idiom, scrambled eggs, words 4 CommentsThis is a mix-up of “lining up your ducks in a row” and “all your eggs in one basket”. Since ducks lay eggs, does the mind want to “scramble” eggs and ducks?
The phones have been ringing off the wall!
Posted: July 24, 2012 Filed under: ACTION, THINGS | Tags: expression, malaphor, mixed idiom, phones, words 3 CommentsI heard this one on tv during a PBS fundraiser several years ago. As with any good malaphor, I had to write it down immediately or I would have forgotten it. This is a combination of “ringing off the hook” and “off the wall”. It probably was said by someone my age or older, people who grew up with landline phones and where at least one phone was on the wall, usually the kitchen. The phones at that telethon were not on the wall, however.
I was lost from the word start
Posted: July 23, 2012 Filed under: TIME | Tags: expressions, malaphor, mixed idiom, words Leave a commentI heard this one from a good friend and it sounded slightly wrong and yet it fit in context with the subject matter. The best malaphors are the ones just slightly off kilter. They also are difficult to remember as they blend into the lexicon landscape so effortlessly. This subtle malaphor is a mix up of “from the word go” and “from the start”.
You’re preaching to the band
Posted: July 22, 2012 Filed under: ACTION, THINGS | Tags: band, choir, expressions, malaphors, mixed idioms, words 2 CommentsThis is a strange malaphor, as the mix-up is not an obvious one – “preaching to the choir” and “jumping on the bandwagon” perhaps? I heard this on tv years ago. Maybe the advent of rock bands in new age churches replacing traditional choirs confused the speaker?
On the other token..
Posted: July 21, 2012 Filed under: BODY PARTS, THINGS | Tags: expressions, idioms, malaphors, words Leave a commentClassic mash-up of “on the other hand” with “by the same token”. Perhaps the speaker wanted to express both thoughts at the same time?
Put your shoulder to the grindstone
Posted: July 20, 2012 Filed under: ACTION, BODY PARTS, THINGS | Tags: expressions, grindstone, malaphor, mixed idiom, shoulder, words 4 CommentsThe Master uttered this advice to a co-worker many years ago. A brilliant malaphor, it is a mix-up of “nose to the grindstone” and “put your shoulder to the wheel”. As a grindstone is a type of wheel, the confusion unfolded and another masterpiece was born.
Throw in the hat
Posted: July 19, 2012 Filed under: ACTION, CLOTHING | Tags: expressions, hat, malaphor, mixed idiom, words 1 CommentThis malaphor mixes two idioms with opposite meanings – “throw in the towel” and “hat in the ring”. When I heard it, the speaker intended to say”throw in the towel”. Maybe he didn’t really want to give up? Or maybe it was that second martini talking….
Out of our price league
Posted: July 18, 2012 Filed under: PLACES, THINGS | Tags: malaphor, mixed idiom 2 Comments
I heard this one years ago when a chain of stores called “Price Club” existed. I imagine that may have prompted today’s malaphor, a mixture of “not in my price range” and “out of my league”. Both indicate something unattainable. Maybe the combination means it REALLY is unattainable?
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