chiasmus
Say it: ky-AZ-mus /kaɪˈæzməs/ · noun
What “chiasmus” means
Repeating ideas with their order turned around.
More precisely: Repeating ideas in reverse order, as in 'eat to live, not live to eat'.
Example: “Her slogan used chiasmus: 'Don't work for money; make money work for you.'”
When to use it
When discussing memorable lines or speeches that reverse the order of ideas to make a balanced, striking point.
Similar words
inversion, reversal, antimetabole
Where it comes from
Greek, 'crosswise arrangement', from the letter chi (X).
Quick check
A coach says we shape our habits, then our habits shape us, reversing the order of the ideas. Which device is this?
anaphora or chiasmus?
Show the answer
chiasmus
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