Dictionary.com
definitions

mixed metaphor

noun

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.”

RELATED CONTENT

Yeezus, Simile, and MetaphorIf you know Kanye, you know the man likes to pronounce his greatness. He does it in a myriad of ways. In a past compulsively quotable interview in New York Times, he did it by likening himself to Steve Jobs: “I am undoubtedly, you know, Steve of Internet, downtown, fashion, culture.” On his album, he takes it a step further with a ditty titled “I Am …
READ MORE
How This Horror Movie Term Became A Real Life MetaphorRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Origin of mixed metaphor

First recorded in 1790–1800
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for mixed metaphor

mixed metaphor

noun

a combination of incongruous metaphors, as when the Nazi jackboots sing their swan song
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012