mixed metaphor

noun

1. the use in the same expression of two or more metaphors that are incongruous or illogical when combined, as in “The president will put the ship of state on its feet.”

mixed metaphor

noun

1. a combination of incongruous metaphors, as when the Nazi jackboots sing their swan song

Word History and Origins

Origin of mixed metaphor¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

The metallic colors on stage will blur and shine and hypnotize in HD just as well as they did live, and it will feel like luxuriating in a mixed metaphor just as it did live.

From Los Angeles Times

The resulting mess is what you might call a mixed metaphor, or maybe just a redundant one.

From New York Times

This is something of a mixed metaphor, but I think you get my point.

From Seattle Times

This is something of a mixed metaphor but I think you get my point.

From New York Times

“Boulevard,” from the album “American Idiot,” is an emo power ballad, full of mixed metaphors expressing the privileged blah of being bored and misunderstood in the suburbs of a morally compromised nation.

From New York Times