There’s nothing “wrong” with it, like there’s no moral or ethical reason not to use it. But, in speaking or writing, it could take someone out of the flow and make them spend time wondering “Uh, what?” and questioning the other person’s writing/speaking abilities. So I’d generally try to avoid it especially in a professional setting where you’re trying to make a good all-around impression.
I’m sure they’ve heard the term, I’m just saying they might not have anywhere to anchor the metaphor and thus it becomes more nonsensical than something like “strongholds.”
I absolutely agree when it comes to professional standards. It’s not anywhere close to the clever creativity that would allow such coinage. But colloquially it deserves it’s chance to fail on its own merits or be absorbed into the vernacular.
All languages have expressions which date back from hundreds of years ago, including ones such as “strike while the iron is hot” despite very few people having seen blacksmiths at work.
And I’m sure those expressions are more likely to be mangled than expressions based on activities still relevant to modern life.
I would have written, ‘among my strengths’ - this sounds like someone whose native language is not English.
“Amongst our weaponry are such diverse elements as: fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope in his stronghold, and nice red uniforms - Oh damn!”
Among my fortes, (wait, hang on, is it “fortes” or “forts”? And how do you pronounce that word anyway? Better pick another word … takes out thesaurus … synonyms for forts–>strongholds)
Among my fortes strongholds,
“Not really my legerdemain.”
“You mean ‘bailiwick’?”
@hibernicus The italians say “fort”. The french say “forte”. I follow the french tradition.
Okay, but you said…
And implied this is so because playing cards are out of style. But there was a whole cultural movement in the early 00s for just that very thing. There’s little chance any male between the ages of, say, 25 and 40 don’t know what suits are. I imagine most women as well.
What’s with you guys? You think we all live in our closets? Anyone who’s watched Game of Thrones, Witcher, Rings of Power, or a hundred other shows or movies has seen a blacksmith striking iron while it’s hot. Not to mention all the live renfairs, colonial reenactments, and historical roadside attractions featuring such metallurgy.
And what percent of the people who use those sayings such as “stiking while the iron is hot” have participated in blacksmithing or watched it with enough interest to understand the significent of the sayings?
It was not a particularly pursuasive argument. I have never seen a a bridge game in my life yet I know the expression “strong suit” as well as hundreds concerning farm animals and other things I’ve never experienced in depth first hand.
Hell my kids are 6 and 8 and know what “suits” are and the names of them from playing crazy eights.
First it was “nobody plays cards anymore” even though millions played poker and even the grade schoolers are playing crazy 8s. Then it was “well nobody’s seen blacksmithing” even though every sixth grader who’s gone on a historical reenactment field trip has seen a blacksmith, not to mention a million movies and shows depicting as much. Now it’s “well nobody’s actually done any blacksmithing.” Pretty soon you’ll need an engineering degree to go back to the drawing board, and don’t even think about getting a taste of your own medicine unless you’re a board certified, duly licensed pharmacist!
The first time a volunteered to work in a hospital, I ended up spending most of my time doing the medically crucial work of playing bridge and mah jongg. There are worse ways to pass the time. Never heard anyone use the phrase in question.