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Clock...

Posted by R. Berg on April 04, 2002

In Reply to: Clock... posted by Q on April 04, 2002

: I heard an interesting phrase yesterday.
: "Even a broken clock is right twice a day"
: No origin needed. But under what circumstance would you use this phrase.
: Is it wit or profound?
: Thanks

It's been around a long time. You use it when a poor thinker--or someone who always harps on the same message--happens to have spoken the truth this time because of sheer luck or because circumstances have changed. Or you use it to dismiss someone you don't like; = "Just because he's right this once doesn't mean he knows how to reason."
Wit vs. profound? Hard to say--and how much of a difference is there anyway? I suppose it was witty the first time it was said.

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