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mixed metaphor

American

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.”

mixed metaphor British

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

Etymology

Origin of mixed metaphor

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Dec. 1, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 28, 2022

This VHS conceit is a bit of a mixed metaphor given that you are playing the game, not watching someone else play it.

From The Verge • Nov. 24, 2019

The sentence is a trifecta of cliche, mixed metaphor and unnecessary italicization and thus almost personally offensive.

From Washington Post • Dec. 24, 2018

The clearest case of mixed metaphor ever charged against Milton occurs in the Eleventh Book, where the lazar-house is described-- Sight so deform what heart of rock could long Dry-eyed behold?

From Milton by Raleigh, Walter Alexander, Sir

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023