paraprosdokian
Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:52 am
Have we had any of these before?
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or re-interpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax.
.
Ø If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
Ø War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Ø Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Brigade usually uses water.
Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are running after it as when you are in it.
Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or re-interpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect, sometimes producing an anticlimax.
.
Ø If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
Ø War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Ø Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.
Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Brigade usually uses water.
Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are running after it as when you are in it.
Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.