Keeping busy in the language lab, mixing metaphors

Not to spill the cat out of the beanbag, but this is no bowl of cherries at the beach

On a recent MyRagan forum post, we asked readers to offer their favorite mixed metaphors. We did so after someone sent me a real beaut: “Barking up a dead horse.”

Well, the mixed metaphors starting raining in like the cat’s pajamas. Some malapropisms were included, but we’ve decided to save those for a brainy day.

Thanks to all who contributed the following gem dandies.

A Detroit News business writer reported this week that a gourmet market is “beefing up the produce section.”

“He stepped onto the field and grabbed the bull by the horns.”

“Unless we tighten our belts, we’ll sink like a stone.”

“It’s not rocket surgery” comes to mind.

“It’s like shooting ducks in a barrel.”

I actually heard a woman at work say, “Yeah, but he’s no rocket genius.”

“Not the smartest tool in the shed.”