Actually the bootstraps one is a good example of the general public missing the point entirely. Originally, the phrase was used to describe something impossible, and was repeatedly used sarcastically to describe an inherently unjust economic system that makes upward mobility impossible.
Yep, and people still try to use it as a metaphor for something completely different. Just something that no longer makes logical sense all on its own.
It’s usually true about what it’s being used as a metaphor for, though. A metaphor doesn’t have to be literally true. It just has to make sense.
Like pull yourself up by the boot straps. No one’s dumb enough to think it only means “help yourself”, right?!
Actually the bootstraps one is a good example of the general public missing the point entirely. Originally, the phrase was used to describe something impossible, and was repeatedly used sarcastically to describe an inherently unjust economic system that makes upward mobility impossible.
Yep, and people still try to use it as a metaphor for something completely different. Just something that no longer makes logical sense all on its own.