Generate the answer for a given question. The question requires common knowledge of English. Make sure that the answer is in detail, long, consistent with the context, and requires general knowledge of English. To be less repetitive, please vary your language for each question. Give a proper explanation to answer, and if necessary, provide the definition of various terms. And conclude your answer if it's long. If you have used other resources (e.g., Merriam Webster's.) to answer the question, include citations in your answer. You don't need to paraphrase the context of your resources, but make sure that your answer is consistent and complete.
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Question: For example, for the original quote we shall use, 'One swallow does not a summer make'. If someone were to say 'One good quote does not a philosopher make' (No dig at Aristotle intended...), or 'A fancy suit does not a businessman make'. Essentially, a clear allusion to a quote, but not the quote itself.

Answer: The word I've heard used for this on the linguistics blog Language Log is snowclone (it's derived from phrases of the format 'If Eskimos have N words for snow, X surely have Y words for Z.') Here's a Language Log post that describes the moment the word was coined and that links to some examples: Snowclones: Lexicographical Dating to the Second And here's how it's defined by Collins Dictionaries online: a verbal formula that is adapted for reuse by changing only a few words so that the allusion to the original phrase remains clear You might also be interested in looking at the answers to the following questions: This book will change your wife trope? Is there a general name for this: 'The more you X the more you'll Y' A term describing the replacement of a specific word in a saying with one that ryhmes


Question: Possible Duplicate: 'Alternately' or 'alternatively' What is the difference between alternate and alternative? For example, I have two versions of the same software and I want to write one of the following: Software Name (alternate version) Software Name (alternative version).

Answer: In British English, an alternative version is one that can be considered as a possible choice, while an alternate one changes places at regular intervals with another version. However, I understand that in American English 'alternate' is an alternative to 'alternative'.


Question: The phrase 'to break a butterfly on a wheel' is very evocative, but I can't bring myself to use it: I find the 'wheel' too disturbing. So: what are some good alternatives? (For those who are unfamiliar with this expression, Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines it as 'to employ superabundant effort in the accomplishment of a small matter'. [link]).

Answer:
Use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. to do something with more force than is necessary to achieve the result you want When he sent ten men to arrest one small boy, he clearly used a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Better yet: Use a sledgehammer to swat a fly! idioms.thefreedictionary.com


