✅ "A well-crafted metaphor uses consistent imagery ("hitting the nail on the head”). When you start mixing imagery ("hitting the nail on the nose"), you can create a type of malapropism known as a mixed metaphor."
The mixed metaphor thought came to mind in reading a follow-up story in CUToday [link] on the call, by the leadership at DCUC, for unity among credit unions [see Golden Rule/Retriever post]. “If we’re serious about unity, this is how we achieve it; it's one hour a quarter”
As you'll note, the Monday unity meeting drew scant interest, with fewer than 40 of the 180+ DCUC members "showing up". A poorly attended unity meeting smacks of mixed metaphor!
Another classic was launched by DCUC chief lobbyist, Jason Stverak: "“When we’re doing the blocking and tackling on Capitol Hill, it’s critical that we’re rowing in the same direction.” Blocking and tackling don't seem to logically mix with rowing; and rowing on a hill is also a bit of a stretch.
DCUC CEO Hernandez clarified, "Complicating those efforts, are what he described as “muddy” factors... that affect how and when we can move (presumably rowing) forward (presumably uphill).”
✔ Credit unions used to be a "well-crafted metaphor" - a not-for-profit, member-owned and member-controlled cooperative, providing financial services to a limited group of individuals, particularly those of modest means.
😎 Hesitate to muddy the waters further, but the actual unity problem is simple: Credit unions are no longer in the same boat.
Have credit unions become a malapropism, similar in look to the original definition... but in practice, now a vacant vessel sailing down hill?
