When clichés actually work.

Is the double entendre, or pun, the lowest form of humor?

Depends on who you ask -- and how you use it. Some word plays can work really well, grabbing attention and engaging interest.

Consider the "literalized cliché" -- a tired expression that gets a double shot of espresso when placed in a fresh context.

Let me distill that for you.

If someone refers to a business deal as a "long shot," we yawn and think, "Wasn't there a better way to say that?"

But if Dirk Nowitski hits a game-winning jumper from mid court, then "Dallas is a winner by a long shot" is pretty interesting. The words are literally true. Three points.

Compare that to situations that have nothing to do with a "long shot." The phrase loses its identity and lacks energy.

Some might say it should be put on the bench or thrown out of the game. But that would be taking this discussion into overtime.