Lost In Translation: 7 Commonly Misused Phrases
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…
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"
(golubovy/ Getty images)facepalm embarrassment and shame emotion. ashamed smiling girl covering her face with a hand. young beautiful woman portrait on pink background.
“Nip it in the butt”
(Deagreez/ Getty images)Close up photo cool amazing she her lady ideal perfect appearance, look side empty space eyes full fear made big mistake epic fail wear casual pastel brown pullover sweater isolated grey background
“Butt naked”
(Deagreez/ Getty Images)Close-up portrait of her she nice-looking attractive charming lovely confused worried puzzled straight-haired lady closing face palms isolated over pink pastel background.
“Statue of limitations”
(Georgii Boronin/ Getty Images)Facepalm gesture. Embarrassed african american girl with hand on face be shy, feeling sorrow regret blaming herself for failure. High quality photo
“Case and point”
(Dima Berlin/ Getty Images)Studio portrait of confused shocked African ethnicity woman looking at smartphone with opened mouth, reading bad news, notification, unpleasant message isolated on blue color background.
“A doggy dog world”
(Viktor_Gladkov/ Getty Images)Thoughtful confused woman looking away isolated over yellow background. Doubt concept
“Flush out”
(Deagreez/ Getty Images)Close-up portrait of her she nice attractive puzzled ignorant wavy-haired girl showing gesture no information isolated on bright vivid shine yellow background.
