Broken Clock
Broken clock? Right twice a day? Nah . . . that ain't right!
If a clock is broken, it ain't keeping time, so it can't ever be right. Technically, it can't be wrong, either.Timely Advice"A broken clock is not right twice a day."
You're in the Twilight Zone . . .
This well-known aphorism is technically misstated. It should read, "A broken clock displays the right time twice a day."
ReplyDeleteTBH, I think you're right that a rewording can save this aphorism, but is "display" the word to turn to? It seems to imply some intentionality that wouldn't be there.
ReplyDeleteJeffery Hodges
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How about "shows"?
ReplyDeleteDepicts? Inscribes? Illustrates? Demonstrates? Brands?
ReplyDeleteI'll have to think about this. I just spent some time looking up words that might work . . . but they didn't.
ReplyDeleteJeffery Hodges
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Maybe something like:
ReplyDelete"A broken clock reflects the right time twice a day."
Not entirely satisfying, though.
Jeffery Hodges
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And don't forget:
ReplyDelete"A broken sundial is only a shadow of its former glory."
Jeffery Hodges
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How about: "A broken clock corresponds to the right time twice a day."
ReplyDeleteMaybe. That might be about as good as we can get it. Our aphorism isn't sounding very aphoristic, though, is it? Ah, well, beauty must be sacrificed for truth . . . despite Keats.
ReplyDeleteJeffery Hodges
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