What does “Get your wires crossed” mean?
"Get your wires crossed" means to have a misunderstanding or miscommunication.
What context can I use the in?
Example
We got our wires crossed and ended up at different restaurants.
Example
I thought the meeting was at 2pm, but it turns out we got our wires crossed and it was actually at 3pm.
Example
Let's make sure we're on the same page so we don't get our wires crossed again
Is “Get your wires crossed” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Get your wires crossed” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Get your wires crossed” effectively in context?
You can use "Get your wires crossed" to describe a situation where there is a misunderstanding or miscommunication between two or more people. It emphasizes the confusion that arises when information is not properly communicated or understood. For example, if you and a friend make plans to meet at a specific restaurant, but end up going to different restaurants because of a miscommunication, you can say, 'We got our wires crossed and ended up at different restaurants.'
- 1Making Plans
I thought the meeting was at 2pm, but it turns out we got our wires crossed and it was actually at 3pm.
- 2Clarifying Communication
Let's make sure we're on the same page so we don't get our wires crossed again.
- 3Coordination
We got our wires crossed and ended up at different restaurants.
Similar phrases to “Get your wires crossed”:
To have a lack of understanding or miscommunication between two or more people
Example
We misunderstood each other and ended up with conflicting plans.
To have a miscommunication or misunderstanding due to language or cultural differences
Example
The joke didn't land well because it was lost in translation.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Get your wires crossed” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Get your wires crossed" is unknown.
Is “Get your wires crossed” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Get your wires crossed" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to explain misunderstandings or miscommunications that occur in various situations.
What tone does “Get your wires crossed” have?
"Get your wires crossed" conveys a tone of confusion and frustration. It implies that there was a breakdown in communication and things did not go as planned.
Can “Get your wires crossed” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Get your wires crossed" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes miscommunication. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We got our wires crossed and ended up at different restaurants.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Oops, we got our wires crossed!' to acknowledge a miscommunication.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
- understand
- comprehend
- communicate clearly
- interpret correctly
- convey accurately
