Writing Book 8 · Lesson 17
Metaphors and idioms — bring the words back
A figure of speech that everyone uses has stopped carrying an image and become furniture.
The words
a paradigm shift
a complete change of view
common ground
what both agree on
a watershed moment
a turning point
the crux of the matter
the central point
weather the storm
survive difficulty
a slippery slope
one step leading to worse
level the playing field
make it fair
a knock-on effect
a chain of results
take root
become established
a blanket statement
a claim about all
hold water
stand up to testing
in the final analyzis
when all is considered
Watch how it is built
1a paradigm shift means about the same as a complete change of view.
The theory caused a paradigm shift.
2common ground means about the same as what both agree on.
They found common ground.
3a watershed moment means about the same as a turning point.
It was a watershed moment.
Two ways to say it
✗ The theory caused a complete change of view. — this is not wrong, but it is everyday talk.
✓ The theory caused a paradigm shift. — this is how a writer says it.
Ask yourself: “Have I read this exact phrase somewhere, or did I need it here?”
Remember
A paradigm shift, a watershed moment, the crux of the matter.
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