Get the wrong end of the stick

Meaning

The idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" means to misunderstand or misinterpret a situation or someone's intentions, usually resulting in negative consequences. It suggests that the person has been deceived or tricked into believing something that is not true, often by someone more knowledgeable or experienced.

Usage

• I got the wrong end of the stick when my boss gave me the project that nobody wanted to work on.
• She got the wrong end of the stick when she assumed that I was angry with her for forgetting our anniversary.
• The new employee got the wrong end of the stick when he thought he was being promoted but was actually being let go.
• We got the wrong end of the stick when we thought we were getting a good deal on the house, but it turned out to be in need of major repairs.
• I got the wrong end of the stick when I misunderstood my friend's joke and took it seriously.

Roots and History

The earliest known use of the idiom "get the wrong end of the stick" can be traced back to the 16th century in England. It comes from the literal meaning of using one end of a stick to measure or compare something, but accidentally measuring it incorrectly due to the stick's limited reach or perspective. Over time, the idiom has evolved to mean misunderstanding or misinterpreting a situation or someone's intentions.

Synonyms in English

• Misunderstand
• Misinterpret
• Misread
• Misjudge
• Deceive

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - Mentirse
• French - Tromper
• Italian - Trarre in inganno
• German - Betrogen
• Portuguese - Enganar

Similar Idioms

• meet halfway

• get through

• done in