A2 Collocation خنثی 2 دقیقه مطالعه

big mistake

Serious error

Use `big mistake` when an error has real consequences or creates a funny, relatable disaster.

در ۱۵ ثانیه

  • Used for serious errors with negative consequences.
  • Common in both casual talk and workplace apologies.
  • Often used for dramatic effect in movies and stories.

معنی

This phrase describes an action or decision that leads to a very bad result. It is used when you realize you have done something you will definitely regret later.

مثال‌های کلیدی

3 از 6
1

Ordering food

Ordering the triple-chili burger was a big mistake.

Ordering the triple-chili burger was a serious error.

😄
2

At the office

I made a big mistake on the monthly report.

I made a serious error on the monthly report.

💼
3

Texting a friend

I forgot her birthday... big mistake!

I forgot her birthday... serious error!

😊
🌍

زمینه فرهنگی

The phrase gained massive pop culture status following the 1990 film 'Pretty Woman,' where it was used to highlight a satisfying moment of social revenge. In Western culture, admitting a 'big mistake' is often seen as a sign of honesty, though it is frequently used sarcastically among friends to tease someone for a minor lapse in judgment.

💡

Add 'Huge' for Drama

If you want to sound like a movie star, say 'Big mistake. Huge!' It adds a touch of humor and emphasis.

⚠️

Don't over-use it

If you call every small error a 'big mistake,' people might think you are too stressed or dramatic.

در ۱۵ ثانیه

  • Used for serious errors with negative consequences.
  • Common in both casual talk and workplace apologies.
  • Often used for dramatic effect in movies and stories.

What It Means

Big mistake is a simple but powerful way to describe a failure. It is more than just a small slip-up. It is something that causes real trouble or embarrassment. Think of it as the 'oh no' moment when you realize you messed up. It is the verbal equivalent of a face-palm.

How To Use It

You can use it to talk about yourself or others. Usually, you say 'I made a big mistake.' You can also use it as a warning. If a friend is about to date their ex again, say 'That is a big mistake!' It works as a full sentence or part of a longer thought. It is very flexible and easy to plug into conversations.

When To Use It

Use it when the consequences are high. Use it at work if you sent an email to the wrong person. Use it at a restaurant if you ordered the 'extra spicy' curry and now your mouth is on fire. It is perfect for texting friends about your latest clumsy moment. It also works well in movies for dramatic effect.

When NOT To Use It

Do not use it for tiny things. If you drop a pen, it is just a mistake, not a big mistake. Using it for small things can make you sound too dramatic. Avoid using it in very formal legal documents. In those cases, use words like 'error' or 'oversight' instead. Also, be careful saying it to your boss about their ideas!

Cultural Background

This phrase is a staple of Hollywood movies. One of the most famous uses is in the movie 'Pretty Woman.' Julia Roberts tells a rude shopkeeper, 'Big mistake. Huge!' This made the phrase iconic in pop culture. Americans and Brits use it to show regret or to mock someone's poor judgment. It is a very common part of daily English life.

Common Variations

You will often hear people add more emphasis. They might say 'huge mistake' or 'massive mistake.' Some people say 'giant mistake' for extra flavor. If you want to be more casual, you can say 'bad move.' However, big mistake remains the most popular and clear version. It is the 'classic' choice for any regretful situation.

نکات کاربردی

The phrase is very versatile. Use it with the verb 'make' (e.g., 'make a mistake'). It fits perfectly in neutral and informal settings but should be used carefully when criticizing others to avoid sounding rude.

💡

Add 'Huge' for Drama

If you want to sound like a movie star, say 'Big mistake. Huge!' It adds a touch of humor and emphasis.

⚠️

Don't over-use it

If you call every small error a 'big mistake,' people might think you are too stressed or dramatic.

💬

The Sarcastic Big Mistake

Native speakers often use this sarcastically for tiny things, like choosing the wrong ice cream flavor, to be funny.

مثال‌ها

6
#1 Ordering food
😄

Ordering the triple-chili burger was a big mistake.

Ordering the triple-chili burger was a serious error.

Expressing regret over a personal choice.

#2 At the office
💼

I made a big mistake on the monthly report.

I made a serious error on the monthly report.

Admitting a professional lapse.

#3 Texting a friend
😊

I forgot her birthday... big mistake!

I forgot her birthday... serious error!

Sharing a personal fail via text.

#4 Warning someone
🤝

Trusting him with your car would be a big mistake.

Trusting him with your car would be a serious error.

Giving strong advice to a friend.

#5 Reflecting on the past
💭

Selling that house was a big mistake.

Selling that house was a serious error.

Expressing deep regret about a life decision.

#6 In a movie script
👔

You're making a big mistake, detective.

You are making a serious error, detective.

Classic dramatic dialogue.

خودت رو بسنج

Choose the best word to complete the sentence about a bad decision.

I forgot to save my work before the computer crashed. It was a ___ mistake.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: big

We use `big` to describe a mistake that has annoying or serious results, like losing work.

Complete the warning.

Don't quit your job before finding a new one; that would be a ___ mistake.

✓ درسته! ✗ نه دقیقاً. پاسخ صحیح: big

While 'large' means the same thing, `big mistake` is the standard natural collocation in English.

🎉 امتیاز: /2

ابزارهای بصری یادگیری

Formality of 'Big Mistake'

Informal

Used with friends about funny fails.

Big mistake wearing white to a spaghetti dinner!

Neutral

Standard daily use in most situations.

I made a big mistake with the schedule.

Formal

Slightly too blunt for high-level business.

The company made a big mistake.

When to say 'Big Mistake'

Big Mistake
🚗

Bad Purchase

Buying that cheap car.

🤦

Social Fail

Forgetting a name.

💻

Work Error

Deleting a file.

⚠️

Life Advice

Warning a sibling.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Yes, it is neutral. However, telling someone else 'You made a big mistake' can sound very aggressive or critical.

Technically yes, but it sounds very strange. English speakers almost always use big, huge, or massive instead.

A mistake is any error. A big mistake has serious consequences that are hard to fix.

You can say, 'I realize now that I made a big mistake, and I am sorry.' It shows you understand the gravity of the situation.

It is okay for internal meetings. In a formal presentation to a client, you might prefer 'significant error' or 'unfortunate oversight'.

Only if you are being funny or sarcastic. For example, 'Buying the blue socks instead of the red ones was a big mistake.'

It is just a stronger version of big mistake. It implies the error was even more disastrous.

Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.

No, that sounds like you are saying your existence is an error! Always say 'I *made* a big mistake'.

No, it is a standard English collocation that is understood by everyone.

عبارات مرتبط

Huge error

A more formal way to say big mistake.

Bad move

A casual way to describe a poor decision.

Screw up

Informal slang for making a mistake.

Blunder

A clumsy or stupid mistake.

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