The other day I heard a person say that the options available to us "run the gambit." This was a new manglement to me. Usually, I hear confusion of the phrases 'run the gamut' and 'run the gauntlet' -- which are of course two very different things!
Recently a preacher talked about a joyous person in the Bible, and I swear the preacher said that the person let out a "Whale of hallelujah!" On another Sunday morning a speaker talked about despair and the dismal feeling of absolute disparity. Huh?
I also find great amusement in the earth-shaking pronouncements by media. A tv reporter recently observed: "The outcome of the election will depend on who votes." Now, I know what he meant, but on the face of it the statement is a big DUH.
Sports announcers are always good for "really listening." After a long discussion of the various strengths of the two teams and the intricate strategies they would employ, one announcer closed the segment with, "It will all come down to who can score the most points." Well ............ yeah.
In today's world of information overload and constant communication, it has become a hobby of mine to listen closely. So if you see me chuckle when no one told a joke, or if you see me smile inexplicably, now you will know why.
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