Metalepsis (me-ta-lep’-sis): Reference to something by means of another thing that is remotely related to it, either through a farfetched causal relationship, or through an implied intermediate substitution of terms. Often used for comic effect through its preposterous exaggeration. A metonymical substitution of one word for another which is itself figurative.
You see yourself as a bridge over troubled waters–to me you’re a doormat over dog poop.
- Post your own metalepsis on the “Comments” page!
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu).