paraprosdokian

[Wulfruna]

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.
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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.

[MBH]

I didn't know there was a word for these. A couple of them:

Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.


Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.

reminded me of

Kill one man they call you a Murderer. Kill a million they call you a Conqueror

and my favourite (that I often use in real life)

Tact: The art of putting your point across without stabbing someone with it.

[tricia]

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

I liked thos but I particularly liked this one

Tricia