From Writer’s Digest weekly writing prompts, here’s my take on the following (I cheated and did more than ten):
Write 10 sentences using a different cliché in each. Now, rewrite the sentence to eliminate the cliché and find a more clever and creative way to convey its meaning.
The early bird gets the worm.
Being proactive and planning ahead will yield fruitful results and worms.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Don’t be greedy, just be happy with that damn bird you already have.
A stitch in time saves nine.
Being able to sew efficiently will leave you with more time to ponder inscrutable sayings.
Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.
Elimination of a social life will reduce the likelihood of indulging in unhealthy habits, promote sleep regularity and leave you more sharp-witted and lonely.
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
Referring to a rose as a “prickly green and red stink stick” will not change its alluring aroma and will also cause people to give you a wide berth.
All’s fair in love and war.
Killing is good.
You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
Maybe your horse has a water allergy.
Slow and steady wins the race.
The answer your boss gives when you ask for a promotion.
Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Make sure your list of kinky habits lines up with your dating site matches before replying.
A watched pot never boils.
You’re never having that cup of coffee.
What’s going down?
I am curious as to the current status of the Canadian dollar.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Wear a toga and have slaves.
It occurs to me that I am not only suggesting sarcastic writing prompts, I am now writing them, too. In my defense I am doing this exercise on lunch, am pressed for time and tapping into sarcasm is like opening the floodgate of a dam, behind which is a massive lake of sarcasm.