shock probation
n.— «A state district judge in Texas on Thursday revoked Taylor’s probation from a state felony drug possession charge, sentencing him to two years in jail. She then suspended the sentence for five years under a process called “shock probation,” sending Taylor to jail for five months. He will remain on probation after his release.» —“Idlette, a former Deacon, indicted on rape charge” Winston-Salem Journal (North Carolina) Feb. 16, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
National Book Award winner Barry Lopez had wise advice for young writers. First, read widely and follow your curiosity. Second, travel or learn a foreign language. And third, find out what you truly believe, because if you’re not writing from...
On a busy day in the emergency room, Alisa of Dallas, Texas, told an efficient colleague that she was really humming, meaning it as a compliment. Her colleague took offense, maintaining that humming meant “smelly.” Since the 18th...