Re: Name for a type of phrase
Posted by ESC on December 30, 1999
In Reply to: Name for a type of phrase posted
by Barry M. Klein on December 30, 1999 : I seek the "name" of a particular type of phrase... for example:
"When the going gets tough, the tough get going." What type of phrase
is this called? Does this type of phrase have a specific name? Where
there is a play on words within the phrase that causes the words
to take on different meanings? Please help. Somewhere I read an excellent description of all the different
types of phrases -- like maxims (short rule of conduct), adages,
proverbs (short wise saying used for a long time by many people),
sayings and homilies (serious writing that imparts a moral lesson).
But I can't remember where I found this passage. Don't you hate
when that happens. There were subtle differences in all the words
for phrases. On the other question, there's "pun" and "double entente." But
I don't think that's what you are going for. Maybe the other Phrase Finder folks can expand on these topics.
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