The BBC is asking for ideas on how to update some metaphors.
The inspiration appears to be the declaration that a bridge in England will finally be painted after 100 years of painting. Since the task began, a job that takes so long one has to start over again immediately has been compared to ‘painting the Forth bridge.” But they’re predicting they won’t have to start again for at least 25 years, so it no longer applies.
(My favorite suggestion that was submitted by a reader was: looking for WMDs. Though that doesn’t fit exactly. “Fighting a War on Terrorism” would work, as I believe there will always be terrorists. “like deleting spam” is also a good update.)
Other phrases the BBC suggests needs updating:
Putting the Cart Before the Horse (reversing the natural order of things)
My suggestion: Put the comments before the blog post?
Sending Someone to Coventry (ignore them)
My suggestion: Sending someone to Siberia (perhaps outdated too)
throw a spanner in the works (deliberately sabotage)
My suggestion: Release a virus on the network
Spinning a yarn (tell a tale)
My suggestion: Creating work for Snopes
Giving a blank cheque
I’m not certain this is outdated yet. The BBC states that several British stores no longer accept checks. And many American stores won’t either. However, the banks do. A blank check still has the same power.
Doff of the cap to Quantum Tea