Misusing phrases is something that happens all the time. And there are a few reasons why it’s so common. Languages are constantly changing and evolving, so what was right in the past might not be the case anymore. Plus, many of the phrases we hear being misused have become part of our everyday conversations. And we pick them up without knowing the correct meaning or usage.

When we’re just having a casual chat, we tend to focus more on getting our point across quickly, rather than following strict grammar rules. But idioms and expressions can be super confusing, even for native speakers. You also have to consider that there are different regions and cultures that have their own ways of interpreting and using phrases. Misusing phrases is normal and a part of how language changes.

People mess up phrases more than you think. Those common sayings somehow get twisted and turned in ways no one ever intended. From funny mix-ups to downright confusing expressions. But what are some of the most common ones we all get wrong from time to time?

Here are some phrases that people mess up all the time, and you might’ve missed a few of them yourself.

• “I could care less”

  Share

  Here's a phrase that's used to show you don't really care about something. But here's the thing about saying "I could care less." When you say it, it accidentally implies that you actually care a little bit. The correct version of this common saying is "I couldn't care less," meaning you don't care at all. If you could care less, that means that you care at least a little bit. (golubovy/ Getty images)

• “Nip it in the butt”

  Share

  Ever heard someone say, "nip it in the butt"? Well, turns out that's not quite right. The correct phrase is actually "nip it in the bud." When you "nip something in the bud," it means you're taking care of a problem early on, before it gets worse. But "nip it in the butt"? Well, that doesn't really make any sense. It's just one of those funny little mistakes that somehow made its way into our language. (Deagreez/ Getty images)

• “Butt naked”

  Share

  You’ve probably heard people say "butt naked" when they mean someone's completely naked. Well, the correct phrase is actually "buck naked." Next time you want to describe someone in their birthday suit, remember it's "buck naked" instead of "butt naked." (Deagreez/ Getty Images)
• “Statue of limitations”

  Share

  A phrase that gets mixed up quite a bit is "statue of limitations." The correct term is actually "statute of limitations." It sounds pretty similar, but it's not about a fancy sculpture. It's about a legal time limit for taking action. The mix-up between "statue" and "statute" is one of those things that just got lost in translation somewhere along the way. (Georgii Boronin/ Getty Images)

• “Case and point”

  Share

  Many people mistakenly say "case and point" instead of the correct phrase “case in point.” "Case in point," is all about pointing to a perfect example that backs up what we're saying. On the other hand, "case and point" doesn't really make sense. It's one of those common mistakes that has become surprisingly widespread. (Dima Berlin/ Getty Images)

• “A doggy dog world”

  Share

  A phrase that gets all jumbled up quite often is "A doggy dog world." The actual phrase is "A dog-eat-dog world,” which describes a world where everyone's out for themselves, and it's super competitive. The mix-up could possibly happen because "doggy" sounds similar to "dog-eat-dog." or because of "Doggy Dogg World" from Snoop Dogg's 1993 debut album, "Doggystyle." (Viktor_Gladkov/ Getty Images)
• “Flush out”

  Share

  “Flush out” or Flesh out?” The correct term is actually "flesh out." When you "flesh out" something, you're adding more substance or filling in the details. It's like giving it a fuller, more complete picture. But "flush out" could mean actually flushing something out, like a toilet. (Deagreez/ Getty Images)

Sign Up For The KKLZ Rewind Newsletter

Classic Rock & entertainment news, what's happening in Vegas, exclusive contests, games and more sent right to your inbox.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.