Help me find a suitable analogy

November 12, 2007 2:26 AM

Analogy-filter. I've been tasked with presenting a topic at a meeting which will involve me assessing the need to improve some processes. The thing is, I will be the one tasked with making these changes once I identify them and present them.

I have to give this presentation about changing things we currently do. I'll be the one tasked with actually making these changes after I present them.

I know the answers, but I want to start my presentation with an analogy, explaining in a funny way that this is like being asked to 'dig my own grave' or something similar. Now this isn't life or death so the aforementioned analogy doesn't cut it.

I'd like something like "this is like asking a x [insert profession] to y [insert a task associated with said profession]' that aptly describes what I'm being asked to do - ie: create work for myself.

I'd be most grateful for any ideas !

posted by superfurry to writing & language (12 comments total)

Asking Sisyphus to create the boulder.
posted by anaelith at 2:38 AM on November 12, 2007 [1 favorite]

Actually, death metaphors are very common in this context.

"I've been given enough rope to hang myself" also might apply to this situation.

And whenever presenting something daunting, always present it as "an insurmountable opportunity".
posted by Deathalicious at 3:32 AM on November 12, 2007

You've been asked "to make a rod for your own back".
posted by patricio at 4:44 AM on November 12, 2007

"Saw the limb you're standing on" kind of captures the odd position you're being point in. Personally, I try to use the "[busier than a] one-armed paper hanger" references as often as possible.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 6:05 AM on November 12, 2007

Building my own gallows.
posted by ian1977 at 6:05 AM on November 12, 2007

"point," obviously, is "put". Back to the coffee.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 6:05 AM on November 12, 2007

Give myself a swirlie.
posted by ian1977 at 6:57 AM on November 12, 2007

... like asking a dog to lick clean a jar of peanut butter.
posted by pmbuko at 7:19 AM on November 12, 2007

...like asking a firefighter to burn down a house.
...like asking a police officer to write a bill.
...like asking a male obstetrician to have sex.
...like asking the IRS to calculate your taxes.
posted by ErWenn at 7:31 AM on November 12, 2007

...like asking a Ford dealer whether you should replace your Chevy.
posted by jon1270 at 7:40 AM on November 12, 2007

It's like hiring Dick Cheney to help you find your Vice President.
posted by nicwolff at 11:21 AM on November 12, 2007 [1 favorite]

Shoveling the walk while the snow is still falling.
posted by happyturtle at 12:37 PM on November 12, 2007