Get to the point

Posted by Henry August 19, 2003In reply to Blunt instrument posted by R. Berg on August 19, 2003

Can anyone tell me if the term 'blunt instrument' is part of a cliche (eg. a blunt instrument for a sharp problem)?

I've often heard it used on its own - referring to something as a blunt instrument - but I have a vague recollection of hearing the longer version at some stage.

Thanks

Matt

Calling someone's mind or wit a blunt instrument is a bit of a cliché, yes.

I can't remember hearing it used as part of a longer phrase. It may have risen to prominence from police reports or post-mortems - "The wounds were consistent with an attack with a blunt instrument" - and then been adopted in other situations.