Paraprosdokian
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A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech that uses an unexpected ending to a series or phrase. It can be used for joking or for dramatic effect, and often produces an anticlimax.
Examples:
- "Stately swept he along, and under his feet were his chilblains." (Aristotle)
- "He was at his best when the going was good." — Alistair Cooke on the Duke of Windsor
- It was a beautiful day in March when I was hit by a bus.
- I was born at a very young age, which I regret deeply to this day.
A humorous triple is a kind of paraprosdokian.
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