Bad time to say familiar phrases
@arthurchappell (45002)
Preston, England
November 10, 2015 12:10pm CST
So many popular sayings would be in bad taste in some circumstances – for example -
To the Captain of the Titanic - “Never mind, worse things happen at sea.”
To those not getting on Noah’s Ark – “It’ll be as right as rain.”
To a dying clown – “laughter is the best medicine.”
"A knight in shining armour" – when on a night time camouflaged commando raid
A watched pot never boils – after one boils over and sets fire to the kitchen for not being watched closely.
“Been in the wars have we?” to someone injured or disabled after being attacked or actually in a war.
I’m sure I could find other examples
Arthur Chappell
15 people like this
10 responses
@dorianna (509)
• United States
11 Nov 15
Agree, cliches can become awkward when used at the wrong time, even hurtful. Personally, I am not a fan of cliches and famous quotes because the overuse of such limits the individual for independent thinking and self-expression. There are other reasons, but hey, that may be another discussion :)
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
11 Nov 15
I dislike clichés simply because as a writer it is easy to end up using them without realizing it
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
11 Nov 15
@dorianna I have an anthology of them which I read - I have even commented on some on here - handy to keep aware of what they are to avoid them.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23676)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
10 Nov 15
We are waiting for more examples!!
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (45002)
• Preston, England
10 Nov 15
no doubt I'll think of some soon
1 person likes this
@Jessicalynnt (50525)
• Centralia, Missouri
10 Nov 15
some of those are, as you say, quite tactless!
2 people like this
@Pattitude (1287)
• Newton, North Carolina
10 Nov 15
Those are funny! But of course, it would not be at the time.
2 people like this
@KnehKnah (3584)
• Philippines
10 Nov 15
Been there, done that... I'd been hearing that from older folks whenever I told them my woes when I was younger & too reckless or impulsive. I didn't like it but they say it just the same. Maybe to assure me that it's part of growing old. Now, as I get older, I say it more often too. Hay...
1 person likes this
@HebrewGreekStudies (1646)
• Canada
11 Nov 15
Now I'm thinking of the Big Bang Theory, because of your one post on it...thinking of Sheldon's statement how "I hope you're hungry" in one context could be of friendship, and in another a cruel taunt, as he said. Context is always important...and I sometimes wonder how many ancient proverbs are changed due to that. Like even a basic statement from the Greeks "water is best"..."Half is more then the whole"..
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