Thread: Paraprosdokian

I expect these are doing the viral rounds but in case you missed them:


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, sometimes producing an anticlimax. Some examples:

1. I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
2. If I agreed with you we'd both be wrong.
3. We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
4. War does not determine who is right - only who is left.
5. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
6. The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets
the cheese
7. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't.
8. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.
9. A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train stops. On my desk, I have a work station.
10. How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes
a whole box to start a campfire?
11. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted pay checks.
12. A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it.
13. Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, "If an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR".
14. I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
15. Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?
16. Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for President and 50 for Miss America ?
17. Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a successful man is usually another woman.
18. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
19. You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.
20. The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
21. Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
22. A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.
23. Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you wish they were.
24. Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
25. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure.
26. When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.
27. You're never too old to learn something stupid.
28. To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit the target.
29. Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
30. Some people hear voices. Some see invisible people. Others have no imagination whatsoever.
31. A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.
32. If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people have more than one child?
33. Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.