Figures of Speech Served Fresh

Quote:  "Don't get stuck on stupid, reporters."  Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré, commander of Joint Task Force Katrina

Figure of Speech:  metallage (meh TALL ah gee), the "Don't give me 'why'" figure

The metallage (it sort of means "swap" in Greek) takes a word or phrase and uses it as an object within a sentence.  ("I've heard enough No's for today.")

The general is being a bit unfair.  All the reporters asked was where New Orleans' latest evacuees -- the ones escaping Hurricane Rita -- would be taken this time.  "That's not your business," he snapped, and then he threw his metallage at them.  He must be tired.

Snappy Answer:  "Don't get stuck on military, General."

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