Looking for an idiom to describe “a misunderstanding”
Can you suggest an idiom or common expression that can be used to describe a misunderstanding? The typical case is when Mr. A is talking about something and Mr. B understand something else. Mr. A can say, "sorry you have misunderstood me," or "sorry what you have understood is __"
idioms idiom-requests
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
add a comment |
Can you suggest an idiom or common expression that can be used to describe a misunderstanding? The typical case is when Mr. A is talking about something and Mr. B understand something else. Mr. A can say, "sorry you have misunderstood me," or "sorry what you have understood is __"
idioms idiom-requests
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
6
I think the point raised by Bib and GMB is the most important one and bears repeating. Im AmE (and I assume others as well), The speaker bears the responsibility to speak clearly and understandably. If another misunderstands, etiquette dictates that the speaker assume responsibility: "I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear, please let me try it again." One does not start with, I'm sorry, but you misunderstood me (unless they think you have just insulted their wife or child when you did not.)
– anongoodnurse
Jun 4 '14 at 22:51
add a comment |
Can you suggest an idiom or common expression that can be used to describe a misunderstanding? The typical case is when Mr. A is talking about something and Mr. B understand something else. Mr. A can say, "sorry you have misunderstood me," or "sorry what you have understood is __"
idioms idiom-requests
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
Can you suggest an idiom or common expression that can be used to describe a misunderstanding? The typical case is when Mr. A is talking about something and Mr. B understand something else. Mr. A can say, "sorry you have misunderstood me," or "sorry what you have understood is __"
idioms idiom-requests
idioms idiom-requests
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
edited Jun 4 '14 at 22:04
njboot
3,41011738
3,41011738
asked Jun 4 '14 at 19:59
user66974
6
I think the point raised by Bib and GMB is the most important one and bears repeating. Im AmE (and I assume others as well), The speaker bears the responsibility to speak clearly and understandably. If another misunderstands, etiquette dictates that the speaker assume responsibility: "I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear, please let me try it again." One does not start with, I'm sorry, but you misunderstood me (unless they think you have just insulted their wife or child when you did not.)
– anongoodnurse
Jun 4 '14 at 22:51
add a comment |
6
I think the point raised by Bib and GMB is the most important one and bears repeating. Im AmE (and I assume others as well), The speaker bears the responsibility to speak clearly and understandably. If another misunderstands, etiquette dictates that the speaker assume responsibility: "I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear, please let me try it again." One does not start with, I'm sorry, but you misunderstood me (unless they think you have just insulted their wife or child when you did not.)
– anongoodnurse
Jun 4 '14 at 22:51
6
6
I think the point raised by Bib and GMB is the most important one and bears repeating. Im AmE (and I assume others as well), The speaker bears the responsibility to speak clearly and understandably. If another misunderstands, etiquette dictates that the speaker assume responsibility: "I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear, please let me try it again." One does not start with, I'm sorry, but you misunderstood me (unless they think you have just insulted their wife or child when you did not.)
– anongoodnurse
Jun 4 '14 at 22:51
I think the point raised by Bib and GMB is the most important one and bears repeating. Im AmE (and I assume others as well), The speaker bears the responsibility to speak clearly and understandably. If another misunderstands, etiquette dictates that the speaker assume responsibility: "I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear, please let me try it again." One does not start with, I'm sorry, but you misunderstood me (unless they think you have just insulted their wife or child when you did not.)
– anongoodnurse
Jun 4 '14 at 22:51
add a comment |
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
Other idioms are: "We are not on the same page," or ". . .not singing from the same sheet of music." However, if a misunderstanding has already occurred, it might be better to avoid idiomatic speech and say directly something like, "I'm sorry. I did not make myself clear, what I mean to say is . . .."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
4
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
add a comment |
A common idiom for that is that you "Got your wires crossed"
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
add a comment |
You got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
to not understand a situation correctly
Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and got hold of the
wrong end of the stick. I said how nice he was and Julie got the wrong
end of the stick and thought I wanted to go out with him.
For this particular case you could also say, "Sorry if I was speaking Greek." A variation would be, "Sorry if I was speaking a different language."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
add a comment |
be another/a different kettle of fish is a useful idiom:
if you say that something or someone is a different kettle of fish, you mean that they are completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about.
add a comment |
"Sorry what you have understood is way off (base)!"
way off (base): Inf. Fig. on the wrong track; completely wrong
Consider also wide of the mark, (way) off the mark, and out in left field.
off the mark: wrong or not accurate
out in left field: completely wrong; mistaken
*Sorry what you've understood is (way) off the mark.*
*Sorry I think you're out in left field [=I think you've completely missed the point]."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
Mr A and Mr B are talking at cross-purposes or experiencing a miscommunication.
This reminds me of the time my wife and an old friend of hers were arguing about which way a certain object revolved. Eventually they discovered that she had been talking about the direction the water in a toilet bowl swirls when you flush it, whereas he had thought they were discussing the turntable of his microwave oven.
(Good times!)
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
add a comment |
"You're not picking up what I'm laying down," is one possible idiom. However, this could be seen as slightly abrasive or even insulting in some contexts. It would be more appropriate in informal speech and particularly if those involved are well acquainted.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
add a comment |
Consider:
You're not smelling what I'm stepping in.
I love that one.
Note: an idiom involving scatological humor, like this one, is inappropriate if the two people are not well-acquainted, if the matter at hand is serious, or if either person has no sense of humor.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
add a comment |
Mr. A and Mr. B are not on the same page.
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
add a comment |
Perhaps
Our communications appear to be orthogonal.
[the fifth meaning]
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
add a comment |
I remember a physicist saying that the work of a crank was "not even wrong." And 'Consider' would be pithier to say, "You're not smelling what you're stepping in."
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
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11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
11 Answers
11
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
Other idioms are: "We are not on the same page," or ". . .not singing from the same sheet of music." However, if a misunderstanding has already occurred, it might be better to avoid idiomatic speech and say directly something like, "I'm sorry. I did not make myself clear, what I mean to say is . . .."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
4
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
add a comment |
Other idioms are: "We are not on the same page," or ". . .not singing from the same sheet of music." However, if a misunderstanding has already occurred, it might be better to avoid idiomatic speech and say directly something like, "I'm sorry. I did not make myself clear, what I mean to say is . . .."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
4
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
add a comment |
Other idioms are: "We are not on the same page," or ". . .not singing from the same sheet of music." However, if a misunderstanding has already occurred, it might be better to avoid idiomatic speech and say directly something like, "I'm sorry. I did not make myself clear, what I mean to say is . . .."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
Other idioms are: "We are not on the same page," or ". . .not singing from the same sheet of music." However, if a misunderstanding has already occurred, it might be better to avoid idiomatic speech and say directly something like, "I'm sorry. I did not make myself clear, what I mean to say is . . .."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:33
GMB
5,0751034
5,0751034
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
4
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
add a comment |
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
4
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
same sheet of music? Never heard that one... I thought sheet was for paper or bed sheet.
– Keni
Jun 4 '14 at 20:42
4
4
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
+1 Saying I think I was not being clear is one of the most useful tools for clarifying without raising hackles. And quite different from Let me make this clear ... which is often perceived as a threat.
– bib
Jun 4 '14 at 22:17
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni That is the problem with idioms. They rely on common frames of reference that may not be widely shared. For more on sheet music, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheet_music
– GMB
Jun 5 '14 at 2:30
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
@Keni a sheet is, in this case, for paper. Specifically, paper which has written on it a song (lyrics and musical notes).
– Doc
Jun 5 '14 at 14:27
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
I've heard "hymn sheet" rather than "sheet of music" -- comes of living in a country with a state religion perhaps!
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:38
add a comment |
A common idiom for that is that you "Got your wires crossed"
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
add a comment |
A common idiom for that is that you "Got your wires crossed"
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
add a comment |
A common idiom for that is that you "Got your wires crossed"
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
A common idiom for that is that you "Got your wires crossed"
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:13
Golden Dragon
47035
47035
add a comment |
add a comment |
You got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
to not understand a situation correctly
Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and got hold of the
wrong end of the stick. I said how nice he was and Julie got the wrong
end of the stick and thought I wanted to go out with him.
For this particular case you could also say, "Sorry if I was speaking Greek." A variation would be, "Sorry if I was speaking a different language."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
add a comment |
You got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
to not understand a situation correctly
Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and got hold of the
wrong end of the stick. I said how nice he was and Julie got the wrong
end of the stick and thought I wanted to go out with him.
For this particular case you could also say, "Sorry if I was speaking Greek." A variation would be, "Sorry if I was speaking a different language."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
add a comment |
You got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
to not understand a situation correctly
Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and got hold of the
wrong end of the stick. I said how nice he was and Julie got the wrong
end of the stick and thought I wanted to go out with him.
For this particular case you could also say, "Sorry if I was speaking Greek." A variation would be, "Sorry if I was speaking a different language."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
You got hold of the wrong end of the stick.
to not understand a situation correctly
Her friend saw us arrive at the party together and got hold of the
wrong end of the stick. I said how nice he was and Julie got the wrong
end of the stick and thought I wanted to go out with him.
For this particular case you could also say, "Sorry if I was speaking Greek." A variation would be, "Sorry if I was speaking a different language."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
edited Jun 5 '14 at 3:53
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:49
RyeɃreḁd
15.8k43678
15.8k43678
add a comment |
add a comment |
be another/a different kettle of fish is a useful idiom:
if you say that something or someone is a different kettle of fish, you mean that they are completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about.
add a comment |
be another/a different kettle of fish is a useful idiom:
if you say that something or someone is a different kettle of fish, you mean that they are completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about.
add a comment |
be another/a different kettle of fish is a useful idiom:
if you say that something or someone is a different kettle of fish, you mean that they are completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about.
be another/a different kettle of fish is a useful idiom:
if you say that something or someone is a different kettle of fish, you mean that they are completely different from something or someone else that has been talked about.
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:16
user66974
add a comment |
add a comment |
"Sorry what you have understood is way off (base)!"
way off (base): Inf. Fig. on the wrong track; completely wrong
Consider also wide of the mark, (way) off the mark, and out in left field.
off the mark: wrong or not accurate
out in left field: completely wrong; mistaken
*Sorry what you've understood is (way) off the mark.*
*Sorry I think you're out in left field [=I think you've completely missed the point]."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
"Sorry what you have understood is way off (base)!"
way off (base): Inf. Fig. on the wrong track; completely wrong
Consider also wide of the mark, (way) off the mark, and out in left field.
off the mark: wrong or not accurate
out in left field: completely wrong; mistaken
*Sorry what you've understood is (way) off the mark.*
*Sorry I think you're out in left field [=I think you've completely missed the point]."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
"Sorry what you have understood is way off (base)!"
way off (base): Inf. Fig. on the wrong track; completely wrong
Consider also wide of the mark, (way) off the mark, and out in left field.
off the mark: wrong or not accurate
out in left field: completely wrong; mistaken
*Sorry what you've understood is (way) off the mark.*
*Sorry I think you're out in left field [=I think you've completely missed the point]."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
"Sorry what you have understood is way off (base)!"
way off (base): Inf. Fig. on the wrong track; completely wrong
Consider also wide of the mark, (way) off the mark, and out in left field.
off the mark: wrong or not accurate
out in left field: completely wrong; mistaken
*Sorry what you've understood is (way) off the mark.*
*Sorry I think you're out in left field [=I think you've completely missed the point]."
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
edited Jun 4 '14 at 21:17
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
answered Jun 4 '14 at 20:44
Elian
38.8k2098212
38.8k2098212
add a comment |
add a comment |
Mr A and Mr B are talking at cross-purposes or experiencing a miscommunication.
This reminds me of the time my wife and an old friend of hers were arguing about which way a certain object revolved. Eventually they discovered that she had been talking about the direction the water in a toilet bowl swirls when you flush it, whereas he had thought they were discussing the turntable of his microwave oven.
(Good times!)
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
add a comment |
Mr A and Mr B are talking at cross-purposes or experiencing a miscommunication.
This reminds me of the time my wife and an old friend of hers were arguing about which way a certain object revolved. Eventually they discovered that she had been talking about the direction the water in a toilet bowl swirls when you flush it, whereas he had thought they were discussing the turntable of his microwave oven.
(Good times!)
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
add a comment |
Mr A and Mr B are talking at cross-purposes or experiencing a miscommunication.
This reminds me of the time my wife and an old friend of hers were arguing about which way a certain object revolved. Eventually they discovered that she had been talking about the direction the water in a toilet bowl swirls when you flush it, whereas he had thought they were discussing the turntable of his microwave oven.
(Good times!)
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
Mr A and Mr B are talking at cross-purposes or experiencing a miscommunication.
This reminds me of the time my wife and an old friend of hers were arguing about which way a certain object revolved. Eventually they discovered that she had been talking about the direction the water in a toilet bowl swirls when you flush it, whereas he had thought they were discussing the turntable of his microwave oven.
(Good times!)
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
answered Jun 5 '14 at 2:49
Erik Kowal
25.4k13885
25.4k13885
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
add a comment |
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
"At cross-purposes" is a good idiom in cases where the misunderstanding isn't discovered until after the conversation has continued for a few rounds of increasing confusion. In cases where A immediately notices that B hasn't understood, then I'd say they haven't had a chance to talk at cross purposes. A would describe it as a miscommunication or just say "sorry, that's not what I meant".
– Steve Jessop
Jun 5 '14 at 15:40
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
On a minor note, regarding that discussion: For several models of microwave ovens, rotation direction is random; at each restart it may go the same way as before, or may randomly go the other way. That usually isn't true of water going down a drain (ie it's true for some drains, but for most it isn't).
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Sep 6 '14 at 0:45
add a comment |
"You're not picking up what I'm laying down," is one possible idiom. However, this could be seen as slightly abrasive or even insulting in some contexts. It would be more appropriate in informal speech and particularly if those involved are well acquainted.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
add a comment |
"You're not picking up what I'm laying down," is one possible idiom. However, this could be seen as slightly abrasive or even insulting in some contexts. It would be more appropriate in informal speech and particularly if those involved are well acquainted.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
add a comment |
"You're not picking up what I'm laying down," is one possible idiom. However, this could be seen as slightly abrasive or even insulting in some contexts. It would be more appropriate in informal speech and particularly if those involved are well acquainted.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
"You're not picking up what I'm laying down," is one possible idiom. However, this could be seen as slightly abrasive or even insulting in some contexts. It would be more appropriate in informal speech and particularly if those involved are well acquainted.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
answered Jun 5 '14 at 15:02
MidgetWookiee
212
212
add a comment |
add a comment |
Consider:
You're not smelling what I'm stepping in.
I love that one.
Note: an idiom involving scatological humor, like this one, is inappropriate if the two people are not well-acquainted, if the matter at hand is serious, or if either person has no sense of humor.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
add a comment |
Consider:
You're not smelling what I'm stepping in.
I love that one.
Note: an idiom involving scatological humor, like this one, is inappropriate if the two people are not well-acquainted, if the matter at hand is serious, or if either person has no sense of humor.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
add a comment |
Consider:
You're not smelling what I'm stepping in.
I love that one.
Note: an idiom involving scatological humor, like this one, is inappropriate if the two people are not well-acquainted, if the matter at hand is serious, or if either person has no sense of humor.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
Consider:
You're not smelling what I'm stepping in.
I love that one.
Note: an idiom involving scatological humor, like this one, is inappropriate if the two people are not well-acquainted, if the matter at hand is serious, or if either person has no sense of humor.
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
answered Jun 5 '14 at 16:17
Will
437615
437615
add a comment |
add a comment |
Mr. A and Mr. B are not on the same page.
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
add a comment |
Mr. A and Mr. B are not on the same page.
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
add a comment |
Mr. A and Mr. B are not on the same page.
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
Mr. A and Mr. B are not on the same page.
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
answered Jun 4 '14 at 21:45
njboot
3,41011738
3,41011738
add a comment |
add a comment |
Perhaps
Our communications appear to be orthogonal.
[the fifth meaning]
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
add a comment |
Perhaps
Our communications appear to be orthogonal.
[the fifth meaning]
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
add a comment |
Perhaps
Our communications appear to be orthogonal.
[the fifth meaning]
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
Perhaps
Our communications appear to be orthogonal.
[the fifth meaning]
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
answered Jun 4 '14 at 22:23
bib
68.5k8100212
68.5k8100212
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
add a comment |
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
Or What we've got here is failure to communicate.
– bib
Sep 6 '14 at 0:53
add a comment |
I remember a physicist saying that the work of a crank was "not even wrong." And 'Consider' would be pithier to say, "You're not smelling what you're stepping in."
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
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I remember a physicist saying that the work of a crank was "not even wrong." And 'Consider' would be pithier to say, "You're not smelling what you're stepping in."
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
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george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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I remember a physicist saying that the work of a crank was "not even wrong." And 'Consider' would be pithier to say, "You're not smelling what you're stepping in."
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
New contributor
george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
I remember a physicist saying that the work of a crank was "not even wrong." And 'Consider' would be pithier to say, "You're not smelling what you're stepping in."
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
New contributor
george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 17 mins ago
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
New contributor
george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
answered 22 mins ago
george lastrapes
12
12
New contributor
george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
george lastrapes is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
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6
I think the point raised by Bib and GMB is the most important one and bears repeating. Im AmE (and I assume others as well), The speaker bears the responsibility to speak clearly and understandably. If another misunderstands, etiquette dictates that the speaker assume responsibility: "I'm sorry, I wasn't very clear, please let me try it again." One does not start with, I'm sorry, but you misunderstood me (unless they think you have just insulted their wife or child when you did not.)
– anongoodnurse
Jun 4 '14 at 22:51