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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Zeugma

Definition

(formal, literary) A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is used to describe two or more different things, often in a way that is humorous or unexpected, especially when the word or phrase has a different meaning in relation to each of the things it describes.

Example Sentences

1The zeugma in the phrase 'He caught a fish and a cold' is a clever play on words, as 'caught' has different meanings in each case.
2Can you identify the zeugma in the following sentence: 'She lost her keys and her temper'?
3The poet's use of zeugma in the final stanza adds a layer of complexity to the meaning of the poem.
4Try to avoid using zeugma in formal writing, as it can come across as overly clever or even confusing.
5The zeugma in the title of the book, 'The man who loved women and wine', is a clever example of how this literary device can be used to create a memorable and thought-provoking phrase.

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