A transpositional pun is a pun format with two aspects. It involves transposing the words in a well-known phrase or saying to get a daffynition-like clever redefinition of a well-known word unrelated to the original phrase. The redefinition is thus the first aspect, and the transposition the second aspect. As a result, transpositional puns are considered among the most difficult to create, and commonly the most challenging to comprehend, particularly for non-native speakers of the language in which they're given (most commonly English).
Examples
Transpositional punOriginal referenceRef.Dieting: A waist is a terrible thing to mind."A mind is a terrible thing to waste", the motto of the United Negro College Fund.Hangovers: The wrath of grapes.The Grapes of WrathSports officials: The souls that time men's tries."These are the times that try men's souls.", Thomas PaineThe oboe: An ill wind that nobody blows any good."'Tis an ill wind that blows nobody any good."Feudalism: It's your count that votes!"It's your vote that counts!"Soldiers of fortune: Give chance a piece."Give peace a chance".
See also Antimetabole Anti-proverb Chiasmus Russian reversal Spoonerism
References