mixed metaphor

A mixed metaphor is a figure of speech that combines inconsistent or incongruous metaphors. It occurs when two or more disparate elements are linked together, often resulting in an unintentionally humorous effect due to a lack of sensitivity to the literal meaning of the words or the falseness of the comparison.123

A metaphor itself is a figure of speech that implies a comparison between two unlike entities, suggesting a likeness or analogy without using "like" or "as". For example, calling someone a "peach" implies they are delightful. Mixed metaphors can arise from sloppily combining two separate metaphors, such as "the ball is in the court of public opinion," which blends "the ball is in your court" with "the court of public opinion". However, mixed metaphors can also be used effectively, as seen in Shakespeare's Hamlet when he refers to "a sea of troubles".23