Most Commonly Misused Idioms

Unless you’re a genius, you’ve probably experienced the unfortunate situation of using an idiom, only to have someone you’re speaking to say wait, what? Idioms are one of the most fun features of a language and can tell you a lot about its speakers and their culture. However, idioms are often easy to mishear and, thus, misuse. Here are a few of the most commonly misused idioms in the English language, and what you should be saying instead.

  1. For all intensive purposes SHOULD BE for all intents and purposes

This is one of the most common mix-ups of all time. And it makes sense – it’s easy to mishear. But this idiom means for all possible purposes – i.e., for any and all intents and purposes. In a casual conversation, someone might not notice a flub, but be sure to be careful with your language when writing this idiom down.

  1. Could care less SHOULD BE couldn’t care less

This idiom is supposed to mean that you don’t care about someone. But if you say you “could care less” you’re actually saying you do care, at least a bit. Instead, be sure to say you couldn’t care less. That’ll get ‘em.

  1. Do a complete 360 SHOULD BE do a complete 180

Just think about a circle: going around 180 degrees leaves you facing in the opposite direction. On the other hand, going a full 360 puts you back right where you started. So unless you’re talking about getting stuck in a loop, make sure you’re doing a 180.

  1. Doggy-dog world SHOULD BE dog eat dog world

If you’re not familiar with the origins of this phrase, it makes sense that you might mishear this idiom. A “dog-eat-dog” world is a place that is aggressive and violent – enough so to inspire dogs to cannibalism.

  1. Chomping at the bit SHOULD BE Champing at the bit

This was surprised me, too. “Champing” is actually an early word for chomp which was used hundreds of years ago, when this idiom was first created.

  1. Mute point SHOULD BE moot point

The thought process behind this makes sense: a mute point sounds like a point that hasn’t been spoken aloud, and thus an irrelevant point. But in fact, a “moot” point has little relevance to your current situation – just like “muteness” has little relevance to this idiom.

  1. Deep-seeded SHOULD BE deep-seated

The correct form of this idiom is deep-seated, deriving from horseback riding and being “deep in the seat” when once is well-situated in the saddle.

  1. Another thing coming SHOULD BE another think coming

The longer version of this phrase says, “If that’s what you think, you’ve got another think coming.” Which makes a lot more sense than “another thing coming,” when you think about it.

  1. Sneak peak SHOULD BE sneak peek

Since “peak” means top, I’m not sure how you can “sneak” off with the top of a hill. You want to sneak a “peek,” or glimpse at something.

  1. Without further adieu SHOULD BE without further ado

We’re not French. So it’s not without further “goodbye” – it’s without further dilly-dallying.

  1. Wreck havoc SHOULD BE wreak havoc

When you’re making a mess, you’re wrecking things, so it makes sense to think this idiom means to “wreck havoc.” However, the correct word is “wreak” meaning to cause.

  1. Getting off scotch free SHOULD BE getting off scot-free

Getting off scot-free means getting off without repercussions – which makes sense when you consider that a “scot” is an archaic term for tax payment. It’s less clear what it means to get off “scotch free.” Maybe it’s an idiom in the making – but right now, it’s meaningless, and that makes it incorrect.

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