Mixed metaphors can quickly confuse a reader. So, by avoiding mixed metaphors, writers can ensure the intended meaning of a sentence can be easily understood by the reader, making the writing clear and straightforward.

Definition of Mixed Metaphors

Mixed metaphors combine different metaphors in an utterance, creating illogical or inconsistent comparisons. Here is an example of mixed metaphors:

Ex.:  We were swamped with a shocking barrage of work, and the extra burden had a clear impact on our workflow.

In this sentence, there are several images: a marsh (swamped), electrocution or striking (shocking), a military attack (barrage), weight (burden), translucency (clear), impression (impact), and water (flow).

Here are a couple of examples of other sentences with mixed metaphors:

      Ex.:  The subject of global warming seems clouded in a sea of research.

In this example, the images of the cloud and the sea conflict. There are two clear options for revision:

      Revised: The subject of global warming seems clouded in a fog of research.

          The subject of global warming seems drowned in a sea of research.  

Ex.: The test is easy; it’s not rocket surgery.

The sentence above mixes two clichés: it’s not rocket science, and it’s not brain surgery. Here’s another example that mixes images and clichés.

Ex.: Some people sail through life on a bed of roses like a hot knife slicing through butter.

How to Avoid Mixed Metaphors

One of the best ways to avoid mixed metaphors is to understand the difference between living and dead metaphors. Living metaphors are still considered figurative and are full of life and individuality.  Dead metaphors are so common and lacking freshness that they are considered just words, no longer carrying much imagery: for example, “the light of my life.”  We sometimes don't recognize we are using a dead metaphor because it’s so common, so we easily mix metaphors accidently.

To avoid mixing metaphors, you might look for dead metaphors or clichés. You might also look at images in sentences to see if they all have a theme, like sea images, and fit into the same area of discourse—just make sure they all make sense.

Along with our own website, www.uhv.edu/ac, we are recommending the following site: The Keables Guide to Effective Diction. This concise website covers effective diction, such as avoiding clichés and mixed metaphors. The Keables Guide to Effective Diction is available at http://www.iolani.honolulu.hi.us/Keables/KeablesGuide/PartThree/effective.htm.

Test your understanding by correcting the following sentences.

1.   The branch of the company I work for has been swept under the rug because it has drowned in an alphabet soup of departments.  

2.  It’s a walk in a piece of cake.

3.  In his managerial career, Damien faced many situations where he had to take the bull by the hand.

4.  You think Susan is a walking encyclopedia with an active mind set afire by passion, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

Answers

1.   The branch of the company I work for has been forgotten because it has been lost in the numerous departments. 

2.   It’s a walk in the park.

3.   In his managerial career, Damien faced many situations where he had to take the bull by the horns.

4.  You think Susan is a walking encyclopedia with an active, passionate mind, but that’s not all there is to her.

[Note that these answers may differ from yours, and yours may still be correct.]

Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas.

Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu.

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