"In an unsuccessful attempt to coin a phrase, Horace Muskraker seats a dead horse. Unfortunately, Bartholomew Van Finklestein was busy on the other side of town beating his dead horse.
Much to Mr. Muskraker's chagrin, Mr. Van Finklestein's horse was located much, much closer to the offical phraseology patent office, and was therefore able to register his claim in advance."