English

Verb

take (something) the wrong way

1. (transitive, set phrase) To misunderstand (something), especially in a case of mistakenly regarding someone's behavior or remarks as offensive or hostile.
   • 1906, George Gissing, "The Salt of the Earth" in The House of Cobwebs and Other Stories:

     "[N]ow you do see what I mean, don't you, now? And you won't take it the wrong way? No, I was sure you wouldn't. There, now, we'll shake 'ands over it, and be as good friends as ever."

   • 2000 Dec. 15, "A Pledge to Change How Floridians Vote," New York Times (retrieved 14 April 2015):

     Mr. Feeney said that it was all just a joke, and that he hoped nobody took it the wrong way. "I apologize to the extent that my remarks offended anyone," he said.

   • 2006 Feb. 12, Marc Peyser, "The Truthiness Teller," Newsweek (retrieved 14 April 2015):

     Colbert asked him about his three failed attempts to climb Mount Everest. Colbert: "Don't take this the wrong way, but doesn't that make you a quitter?"

Translations

See also

• rub the wrong way