The word “wrong” is versatile and widely used in everyday language, often highlighting mistakes, inaccuracies, or injustices. From relationships to law, and ethics to personal opinions, “wrong” finds its place, shaping the tone of discussions and expressions. This blog post dives into 20 common expressions featuring the word “wrong,” providing concise definitions and examples to enhance your understanding and usage of each.
Expressions with Wrong
1. Dead Wrong
Meaning: Completely incorrect.
Example: He was dead wrong about the deadline.
2. Get It Wrong
Meaning: Make a mistake.
Example: I got the time wrong.
3. Go Wrong
Meaning: To fail or have problems.
Example: The project went wrong quickly.
4. On the Wrong Foot
Meaning: Start something poorly.
Example: We started on the wrong foot.
5. Rub Someone the Wrong Way
Meaning: Irritate or annoy someone.
Example: His tone rubbed her the wrong way.
6. Wrong Side of the Tracks
Meaning: A less respectable area of town.
Example: He’s from the wrong side of the tracks.
7. In the Wrong
Meaning: To be at fault or mistaken.
Example: She admitted she was in the wrong.
8. Wrong Turn
Meaning: Make a bad decision or mistake in direction.
Example: I took a wrong turn and got lost.
9. Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right
Meaning: Retaliating doesn’t solve a problem.
Example: Remember, two wrongs don’t make a right.
10. Prove Wrong
Meaning: Show that something is incorrect.
Example: He proved the critics wrong.
11. Steer Wrong
Meaning: Give bad advice.
Example: I hope I didn’t steer you wrong.
12. Wrong Number
Meaning: A mistake in dialing a phone number.
Example: Sorry, you have the wrong number.
13. Wrong Idea
Meaning: Misunderstanding.
Example: She got the wrong idea from his email.
14. Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Meaning: Pursuing a mistaken or misguided line of thought or action.
Example: You’re barking up the wrong tree with that theory.
15. Bet on the Wrong Horse
Meaning: To support a losing cause.
Example: It looks like we bet on the wrong horse.
16. Born on the Wrong Side of the Blanket
Meaning: Born to parents not legally married.
Example: He was born on the wrong side of the blanket.
17. Get Up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Meaning: To start the day in a bad mood.
Example: He got up on the wrong side of the bed today.
18. Wrong Footing
Meaning: To start or proceed in a mistaken or awkward way.
Example: The negotiation started on the wrong footing.
19. Do Someone Wrong
Meaning: Treat someone unfairly.
Example: He did her wrong by not showing up.
20. Back the Wrong Horse
Meaning: To support a losing side or faction.
Example: I backed the wrong horse in that argument.
