What is the 2-word term (3 syllables each, I think, and definitely Greek sounding/Greek roots) that describes the technique of reversing phrases or parts of phrases, e.g. " bred and born" instead of "born and bred"? I just can't remember it!
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Related, possible duplicate: english.stackexchange.com/questions/203212/…– user66974Commented Feb 22, 2015 at 19:22
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@Josh61 That question is about Spoonerisms, which this is not. Spoonerisms are a reversal of the first sound of two words to make a humorous new combination, supposedly inadvertently. (Belly jeans for jelly beans.) This is the reversal of two words which are normally a set expression, for no particular reason but common usage.– Steven LittmanCommented Feb 22, 2015 at 20:41
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1 Answer
Perhaps you are looking for the phrase:
Hysteron proteron
It is indeed a phrase of Greek origin consisting of two words of three syllables each, which means "latter before."
A reversal of logical order of elements in a phrase: “Sudden thunder and lightning drove them to shelter.
