#194: Idiomatic
If you’ve read a couple of these newsletters, you may have noticed that I’m a great fan of an idiom; they've provided the inspiration for countless contests, and I use them (or perhaps overuse them) often in everyday life. After all, nothing is more satisfying than discovering a snappy turn of phrase that can express exactly what you’re trying to convey.
With that in mind, this week’s prompts are a celebration of idioms, and the entire scenes they can conjure with just a handful of words. Pick out your favorite from the bunch, and let your imagination run wild.
This week's prompts
Write a story inspired by the phrase “It’s hardly brain surgery.”
Funny – 34 stories
Write a story inspired by the phrase “I’ll eat my hat.”
Dialogue – 18 stories
Write a story inspired by the phrase “The short end of the stick.”
Character – 28 stories
Write a story inspired by the phrase “The plot thickens.”
Dramatic – 52 stories
Write a story inspired by the phrase “Back to square one.”
Narrative – 81 stories
Stories
“Like the Skin of a Snake” by Geir Westrul
Submitted to Contest #194
“A Warlock's Gamble” by Russell Mickler
Submitted to Contest #194
“Littlest Bear’s Big Adventures ” by Cindy Strube
Submitted to Contest #194
“Efcharistó” by Chris Miller
⭐️ Shortlisted for Contest #194
“The Swing” by Amanda Lieser
Submitted to Contest #194
“Rob of Rust” by Cassandra Fan
Submitted to Contest #194
“Prompts” by John Jones
Submitted to Contest #194
“Downward Spiral” by Bernie Rhodes
Submitted to Contest #194
“The Execution of Danny McMarn” by Lucy Joyce
Submitted to Contest #194
“It Takes Two to Tango ” by Scott Christenson
Submitted to Contest #194
“GET BACK, JACK” by Susan Catucci
Submitted to Contest #194
“The Trail” by Kendall Defoe
Submitted to Contest #194
“Well, It's Hardly” by Jeff Schulte
Submitted to Contest #194
“Ashes of Indecisive Customers” by Robin Owens
Submitted to Contest #194
$250
Prize money
213
Contest entries
118
Stories
Ended on 23:59 - Apr 21, 2023 EST
Won by RJ Holmquist 🏆
Title: The Idiom Archipelago
Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.
Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!