Paraprosdokian

I never heard this word before !

But really interesting !!

Courtesy : Anu, my IIM-B Classmate

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.

� I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn�t work that way. So I
stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.

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

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

� Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than
standing in a garage makes you a car.

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

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

� If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

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

� War does not determine who is right — only who is left.

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

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

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

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

� A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a
train stops. My desk is a work station.

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

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

� 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.

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

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

� Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says “If an
emergency, notify:” I put “DOCTOR.”

� I didn’t say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.

� I saw a woman wearing a sweat shirt with “Guess” on it… So I
said “Implants?”

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

� 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.

� Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president
and 50 for Miss America ?

� Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.

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

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

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

� Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won’t expect it back.

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

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

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

� 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.

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

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

� I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not sure.

� I always take life with a grain of salt… plus a slice of
lemon… and a shot of tequila.

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

� You’re never too old to learn something stupid.

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

� Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.

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

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

� Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.

Enjoyed the Paraprosdokians above ?

Courtesy : Anu, my IIM-B Classmate

Cheers,

Vijay Srinivasan
17th October 2010
Mumbai