Discussion » Questions » Communication » Is it possible for the exact same act to be both literal and figurative at the same time? If so, examples, please. ~
Randy D

Is it possible for the exact same act to be both literal and figurative at the same time? If so, examples, please. ~

Posted - May 25, 2017
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Responses


  • It's called syllepsis, although that word, ironically, has several different meanings.

    One type of syllepsis is syntactical; that is, a word is used in a sentence so that it has a literal meaning with one part of the sentence, and a figurative meaning with the other part:

    • He took his hat and his leave. ("Took" used both literally and figuratively)
    • Eggs and promises are easily broken.
    • You are free to execute your laws and your citizens as you see fit.
    • She lowered her standards by raising her glass, her courage, her eyes and his hopes.
      May 25, 2017 8:28 AM MDT
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  • 7939
    Brilliant! This question broke my brain- I didn't even think about it that way.
      May 25, 2017 11:52 AM MDT
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  • 3191
    Mine broke, too...lol
      May 25, 2017 1:04 PM MDT
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  • 53509
    Wait, I got both of you?  I can retire now: I won the internet!



      May 25, 2017 9:35 PM MDT
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  • 3191
      May 25, 2017 11:57 PM MDT
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  • 22891
    anything is possible
      May 25, 2017 2:46 PM MDT
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