Breeding Ground

[learningspirit]

I have a question about the usage of "breeding ground":

1. A dirty kitchen is a breeding ground for food poisoning.
2. Sloppy food preparation is a breeding ground for food poisoning.

The "ground" in "breeding ground" seems to imply a physical location. So, "breeding ground" could be used to label a dirty kitchen. But "food preparation" is an activity, not a place. So, would labeling "sloppy food preparation" a breeding ground for food poisoning, be poor usage?

 

[Tarheel]

Maybe it is technically poor usage, but I do think the meaning of the sentence is pretty clear. And I think that is what's important, In other words, wash your hands!
;-)

 

[learningspirit]

So, "breeding ground" cannot be used to label an activity/process?

 

[probus]

Sure it can.

A breeding ground is a place in which a noxious process can occur and from which it may well spread.

 

[tedmc]

Sloppy food preparation leads to food contamination. Contaminated food causes food poisoning when consumed.

not a teacher

 

[Tdol]

I would say that A dirty kitchen is a breeding ground for germs/salmonella, etc, rather than food poisoning. It breeds the bacteria and bugs that cause the poisoning.

 

[Raymott]

You could also consider it metaphorical. It's not poor usage.
Eg. "An idle mind is the devil's playground". But the mind is not a place (arguably).

 

[Tarheel]

I would say that A dirty kitchen is a breeding ground for germs/salmonella, etc, rather than food poisoning. It breeds the bacteria and bugs that cause the poisoning.

Food that has been left out too long (unrefrigerated) is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Yes. Spoiled food is not a metaphor.

 

[Tdol]

You could also consider it metaphorical. It's not poor usage.

I don't think the original is wrong, but wouldn't use it.

 

[learningspirit]

So, this:

School football has always been a breeding ground for new talent.

or this:

The company's casual atmosphere serves as a breeding ground for innovation.

would be poor writing?

 

[Raymott]

They sound fine to me.

 

[learningspirit]

Both "food preparation" and "school football" are activities. Yet, according to Tdol, "food preparation" should not use the "breeding ground" label, but "school football" could. Hmmmmm.....

 

[Raymott]

I don't think Tdol mentioned school football.

 

[MikeNewYork]

You are experiencing the difference between a figurative use (football) and a literal use (food preparation).

 

[learningspirit]

@MikeNewYork

So, is this:

The company's casual atmosphere serves as a breeding ground for innovation.

also poor usage?

 

[tedmc]

The company's casual atmosphere serves as a breeding ground for innovation.

I do not think this is a good metaphor.

The company's casual atmosphere serves as a conducive environment for innovation.
not a teacher

 

[Tarheel]

I think the term "breeding ground" is most often used in a negative sense.