Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Quote:  "Imminent death makes me tense! I admit it!"  Calvin in the "Calvin & Hobbes" comic strip.

Figure of Speech:  paromologia (pa ro mo LOW gia), the judo move.

Calvin's dad is trying to get him to ride a bike.  "Look Calvin, you’ve got to relax a little," he says.  Calvin replies with a great paromologia, a figure that concedes a point in order to make a stronger one, like sacrificing a pawn in chess.

Try using the same trick.  Instead of disagreeing, agree, then use the point to your advantage.  You may never have to ride a bike again.

Snappy Answer:  "Imminent death builds character."