get the wrong end of the stick
To misunderstand something
字面意思: To grab the end of a wooden stick that is incorrect
Use this phrase to kindly clarify a total misunderstanding between you and another person.
15秒了解
- To completely misunderstand a situation or statement.
- Used when someone draws the wrong conclusion from facts.
- A polite way to acknowledge a mix-up or confusion.
意思
It means you have completely misunderstood a situation or a piece of information. You think one thing is happening, but the reality is actually the opposite.
关键例句
3 / 6Misunderstanding a friend's mood
I thought you were mad at me, but I clearly got the wrong end of the stick; you're just sleepy!
I thought you were mad at me, but I misunderstood; you're just sleepy!
Correcting a colleague in a meeting
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick regarding the deadline; it's next month, not tomorrow.
I think you misunderstood the deadline; it's next month, not tomorrow.
Texting about a party invitation
Wait, did I get the wrong end of the stick? Is the party fancy dress or casual?
Wait, did I misunderstand? Is the party fancy dress or casual?
文化背景
The phrase likely originates from the use of a 'basting' or 'walking' stick, where grabbing the wrong end would result in a burnt hand or a fall. It became a staple of British English in the 19th century to describe intellectual errors. It reflects a cultural tendency to use physical metaphors for mental processes.
The 'Hold' Variation
You can say 'get hold of' the wrong end of the stick to sound even more like a native speaker. It adds a bit of physical emphasis to the mistake.
Don't Use for Small Typos
If someone misspells a word, don't use this. Use it for big conceptual errors where the whole meaning is lost.
15秒了解
- To completely misunderstand a situation or statement.
- Used when someone draws the wrong conclusion from facts.
- A polite way to acknowledge a mix-up or confusion.
What It Means
Imagine someone hands you a walking stick. Instead of grabbing the smooth handle, you grab the muddy, sharp, or wrong end. In conversation, this means you've missed the point entirely. You aren't just slightly confused; you've built a whole idea on a mistake. It is like hearing someone say they 'need space' and thinking they want to be an astronaut.
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase when a mistake is discovered. You can use it to apologize for your own confusion. You can also use it to gently correct someone else. It often follows the verb get or have. For example: "I think you've got the wrong end of the stick."
When To Use It
Use it when there is a funny or awkward mix-up. It works great when a friend thinks you are angry, but you are just tired. Use it at work if a colleague starts a project based on a misunderstood email. It is perfect for clearing the air after a confusing moment.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for very serious or tragic misunderstandings. If someone tells you sad news and you laugh, saying you got the wrong end of the stick feels too light. Avoid it in very legal or high-stakes technical documents. It is a bit too colorful for a court of law. Also, don't use it if someone is lying; it's for honest mistakes only.
Cultural Background
This idiom has been around since the 1800s. Some say it comes from the 'wrong end' of a physical tool, like a poker for a fire. If you grab the hot end, you've made a painful error! Others think it refers to a walking stick. Either way, it highlights the clumsiness of human communication. It is a very British expression that has spread globally.
Common Variations
You might hear people say get hold of the wrong end of the stick. Both mean exactly the same thing. In American English, people might just say get it wrong, but they will still understand this idiom. It is a classic 'oops' phrase that makes you sound very fluent.
使用说明
The phrase is highly versatile across social and work settings. It is most commonly used in the present perfect tense (`have got`) when referring to a current state of confusion.
The 'Hold' Variation
You can say 'get hold of' the wrong end of the stick to sound even more like a native speaker. It adds a bit of physical emphasis to the mistake.
Don't Use for Small Typos
If someone misspells a word, don't use this. Use it for big conceptual errors where the whole meaning is lost.
The British Politeness
British people often use this phrase to avoid saying 'You are wrong.' It sounds much softer and less aggressive in a disagreement.
例句
6I thought you were mad at me, but I clearly got the wrong end of the stick; you're just sleepy!
I thought you were mad at me, but I misunderstood; you're just sleepy!
Used to resolve a social tension.
I think you've got the wrong end of the stick regarding the deadline; it's next month, not tomorrow.
I think you misunderstood the deadline; it's next month, not tomorrow.
A polite way to correct a professional error.
Wait, did I get the wrong end of the stick? Is the party fancy dress or casual?
Wait, did I misunderstand? Is the party fancy dress or casual?
Casual self-correction via text.
He thought I was proposing when I pointed at the ring shop, but he totally got the wrong end of the stick!
He thought I was proposing, but he completely misunderstood the situation!
Highlighting a funny, exaggerated misunderstanding.
I'm so sorry, I got the wrong end of the stick and thought you didn't want me there.
I'm sorry, I misunderstood and thought you didn't want me there.
Softening a moment of insecurity.
Don't listen to Sarah; she's got the wrong end of the stick about the office changes.
Don't listen to Sarah; she has misunderstood the office changes.
Dismissing incorrect information.
自我测试
Choose the correct verb to complete the idiom.
I'm afraid you've ___ the wrong end of the stick.
While 'taken' makes sense logically, 'got' (or 'get') is the standard idiomatic usage.
Identify the meaning in context.
If Tom thinks we are closing the business, he has got the wrong end of the stick. Tom is ___.
The phrase indicates a misunderstanding or confusion, not a lie or an emotion.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality Spectrum
Too informal for this phrase.
My bad, I tripped.
Perfect for friends and family.
Oops, I got the wrong end of the stick!
Safe for work and general use.
I believe there's been a misunderstanding; you've got the wrong end of the stick.
A bit too colorful for legal papers.
The party has misinterpreted the clause.
When to use 'Wrong End of the Stick'
Wrong Date/Time
Showing up for a 9 PM dinner at 9 AM.
Mixed Signals
Thinking a friendly smile is a romantic gesture.
Work Tasks
Writing a report that wasn't actually requested.
Sarcasm Fail
Taking a joke literally.
常见问题
10 个问题Not at all! It is actually a very polite way to tell someone they are mistaken without being blunt.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for neutral professional settings. For example, I think we might have got the wrong end of the stick regarding the budget.
While logically there is a right end, we almost never say I got the right end of the stick. We usually just say I understand.
Yes, though it is slightly more common in the UK and Australia. Americans will definitely understand you.
They are similar, but barking up the wrong tree means you are looking for a solution in the wrong place. Wrong end of the stick is about a basic misunderstanding of facts.
No, it is only for mental misunderstandings. You wouldn't use it if you accidentally picked up the wrong keys.
Just say, Sorry, I've got the wrong end of the stick here. It's a great way to admit a mistake humbly.
It is a classic, but it is still used every day. It doesn't feel 'dated' or like something only grandparents say.
No, the idiom is strictly wrong end. Changing it to side will sound incorrect to native speakers.
This phrase usually implies a total misunderstanding. If you only missed a small detail, just say I'm a bit confused.
相关表达
Barking up the wrong tree
Following a wrong line of thought or accusing the wrong person.
Crossed wires
A misunderstanding where two people are talking about different things.
Miss the point
To fail to understand the most important part of something.
On the wrong track
Acting on a mistaken belief or heading toward a wrong conclusion.
评论 (0)
登录后评论免费开始学习语言
免费开始学习