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24 Sep 2009 09:11 am

Boiling Frogs


Kevin Drum takes on Jim Fallows pet peeve:

[E]ven though it's untrue that frogs will mindlessly poach themselves to death if you're careful to turn up the temperature on them slowly, it's a useful metaphor.  Still, it's not true.  So we should find another one. But here's the thing: Fallows issued a worldwide call for good substitute metaphors two years ago.  Four days later he promised that winners would be announced in a couple of days.  And then....nothing.

So here's what I'm interested in.  The boiling frog cliche is untrue.  But it stays alive because, as Krugman says, it's a useful metaphor.  So why aren't there any good substitutes?

If Dish readers can think of a suitable substitute, and thereby complete Fallows' mission in life, please e-mail.

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