take the wrong way

English

Verb

take the wrong way (third-person singular simple present takes the wrong way, present participle taking the wrong way, simple past took the wrong way, past participle taken 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 December 15, “A Pledge to Change How Floridians Vote”, in 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 February 12, Marc Peyser, “The Truthiness Teller”, in 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

to misunderstand — see misunderstand

See also

• rub the wrong way