(entered for 3.28.06)

Meaning: to fail in something, especially understanding. Meanings and mentions.
Rewrite 1: miss the train
Rewrite 2: let the plane take off without you
Rewrite 3: the boat launches and you’re still on the dock
Rewrite 4: took intermission a bit early

Comment: This is a fairly easy metaphor to reconstruct. The key is to say it succinctly.

More reading about clichés
What I found when I googled “clichés”:
• UFies.org: Movie Cliches (links to other sites)

Note: By providing links to other websites I am only showing you what is out there about clichés – I am not endorsing any content or opinion expressed there.

Check out the searchable alphabetical list of all my cliché rewrites available in the archive list at the right.