Are You Familiar with Paraprosdokians?

Unless you've the current e mail that is circulating you probably haven't got a clue about what a paraprosdokian is!

Read on to find out and see some examples!

I came across the first one via one of my son in laws:-


I was woken by the window cleaner at 5.30 this morning. He was ranting and raging. I think he lost his rag!

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect.


Ø Do not argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.


Ø I want to die peacefully in my sleep, like my grandfather. Not screaming and yelling like the passengers in his car.


Ø Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a BMW.


Ø The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But it's still on the list.


Ø Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.


Ø If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.


Ø We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.


Ø War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.


Ø Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.


Ø The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the
cheese.


Ø Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.


Ø To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
research.


Ø A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train


stops. My desk is a work station.


Ø How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?


Ø Some people are like Slinkies ... not really good for anything, but you can't help smiling when you see one tumble down the stairs.


Ø Dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they
can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them
fish.


Ø I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.


Ø A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.


Ø Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "In an
emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."


Ø I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.


Ø I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with "Guess" on it... So I said
"Implants?"


Ø Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?


Ø Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.


Ø Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and 52 or 53 for Miss America?


Ø Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a


successful man is usually another woman.


Ø A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.


Ø You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.


Ø The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!


Ø Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it
back.


Ø A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way
that you will look forward to the trip.


Ø Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if
you wish they were.


Ø Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live
with.


Ø I discovered I scream the same way whether I'm about to be devoured by a great white shark or if a piece of seaweed touches my foot.


Ø Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go.


Ø There's a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can't get away.


Ø I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.


Ø I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and a


shot of tequila.


Ø When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.


Ø You're never too old to learn something stupid.


Ø To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.


Ø Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.


Ø A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as
when you are in it.


Ø If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?


Ø Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.


Ø Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.


Ø Corduroy Pillow Cases are making headlines lately.


Ø I LIKE CATS, TOO - Let's swap recipes.


Ø I Like Cooking With Wine - sometimes I even put it in the food.


Ø Dyslexics Have More Nuf.


Ø Sometimes Too Much To Drink Is Still Not Enough


Ø I May Be A Schizophrenic But At Least I Have Each Other


Ø In just Two Days, Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday