the wrong end of the stick
noun phrase
chiefly British, informal
: an incorrect understanding of something
You've got (hold of) the wrong end of the stick. He didn't push me; I fell.
Examples of the wrong end of the stick in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One is that the Fed has grasped the wrong end of the stick in its battle against high prices.
—
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2023
Critics who dispute that taxpayers will be held harmless have the wrong end of the stick, however.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2023
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Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2023
Critics who dispute that taxpayers will be held harmless have the wrong end of the stick, however.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near the wrong end of the stick
the writing/handwriting is on the wall
the wrong end of the stick
Cite this Entry
“The wrong end of the stick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20wrong%20end%20of%20the%20stick. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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