Analogies

I think I developed this tic, this habit of constantly experimenting with word order, and nuance of meaning, as a kid in grade school. I remember loving the grammar and logic exercises--the ones that went "Tapioca is to an iron foundry as (choose one) (a.) fish bait is to the houses of Congress, (b.) an avocado is to Frank Sinatra, or (c.) amoxicillin is to the National League." Loved those.

 

-Daniel Pinkwater, Chicago Days / Hoboken Nights, 123.