Several members of my family, myself included, have very... visual and literal and humorous imaginations. Quite a combination. And, as a result, when we read aloud at night (as is our custom), it often turns hilarious-- for instance, last night my dad was reading, and he came to a part where it said "he wrung his hand". He stopped and said, "this is what I am picturing" and started pretending to wring out something rather violently... and we all laughed hard.

There have been many other such instances, such as when people "fall on each other's necks" or when someone "sings their heart out".

I think y'all get the idea... what are some other things that can be taken more literally than the author intended--producing very odd and usually extremely amusing pictures?

"He had a frog in his throat."

"She had butterflies in her stomach."

My favorites:

"Her hands reached for his throat."

"His eyes rolled across the floor towards the safe."

"Tears swam in her eyes" Imagine that; it gives you a very odd picture.

*grins picturing the scene* Reading aloud sounds like a delightful time in your family, Carissa! It sounds much like ours.

I can't think of any specific instances where things are taken so literally, (though there have been instances) but occasionally when something happens, i.e. character throws a spear, canters a horse, curtsies, waves, etc. my siblings and parents will act it out quite elaborately, and it usually ends up with as all laughing too hard to continue reading.

Jason Whittaker: "My mind is tied up in knots...My mind has turned into oatmeal."

Eugene Meltsner: "Jason, your mind can't be tied up in knots and turned to oatmeal at the same time!"

Jason Whittaker: "Eugene, drop it." ~ The Search for Whit, Part 1.

I LOVE that quote! Another one I can see is: "My mind feels like mush."

One thing that our family teases about a lot are things like, "Make me a hamburger!" "OK! Poof! You're a hamburger!" and "Can you feel my head?" "Yup! It's there! I feel it!"

Cat got your tongue?

His jaw hit the floor.

He lost his mind.

Or even better: He lost his marbles.

She stared daggers at her.

'Laughing her head off.' We use that one all the time here and I always giggle a little when I hear it.

I'm bored out of my brains. That one did make me giggle!

That one reminded me of:

"His eyes popped out of his head."

"It's okay, I called you an ambulance while you were unconscious."

"You're an ambulance!"

Hehehe! So funny!

Here's a movie that is on this subject, by OYANers.... It's great. Sian showed it to us when she visited.

"Keep your eyes peeled for danger." *OUCH! *

"His stomach knotted in fear." Personally, I've never experienced this unique sensation, but I'm convinced that it isn't pleasant.

His brain was fried.

Her mind was foggy.

Just a moment ago:
"My Bible study is spread out all over me."

"I'm out of my mind with fear."

"You have ants in your pants."

'I just want to pick your brains' is one I've been cringing over lately!