Get to the point

Posted by Henry on August 19, 2003

In 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.