Idioms

identity

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a case of mistaken identity

An instance in which one is thought or assumed to be someone else. Officer, this is a case of mistaken identity—I can assure you that I did not rob anyone! I'm sorry, ma'am, it seems this is a case of mistaken identity. We're looking for a different person who's a redhead and about your height. I have an identical twin, so my daily life is basically a case of mistaken identity.
See also: case, identity, mistaken, of

identity crisis

1. A state of psychological uncertainty or confusion regarding one's values, sense of self, or role in society. Typically seen in adolescents. It's perfectly normal for a teen to go through an identity crisis as they try to separate from their parents and discover who they truly are. My daughter dyed her hair about five different colors when she went through her identity crisis. I think this teenage rebellion is just an identity crisis that will fizzle out as your son grows up.
2. Uncertainty or confusion regarding the priorities, objectives, or defining characteristics of someone or something. OK, the company definitely has an identity crisis if clients can't tell whether we're a marketing agency or just one that builds websites for other businesses. Yeah, if you put your business—which has nothing to do with banking—in an old bank building, it might cause an identity crisis for customers. Of course people think the company has an identity crisis—its two main slogans contradict each other!
See also: crisis, identity

identity politics

1. The ways in which one's political views are informed by the facets of their identity, such as race, gender, age, and class. Can we really escape identity politics? How can you divorce yourself from your own experience? How much do identity politics impact independent voters' decisions? Grandma, you can't avoid identity politics. Like, you're a senior citizen, so you're concerned about different issues than us thirty-somethings, right?
2. The ways in which people with similarities in societal identity (as related to race, gender, class, etc.) focus on and promote interests relevant to them, separate from a broader political group or party. With identity politics at play, it will be hard to attract younger voters to our party. Of course I want to hear the candidates' views on matters of identity politics, like gay rights. Bah, identity politics are just a distraction from more important things, like the economy!
See also: identity, politics
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

case of mistaken identity

the incorrect identification of someone. I am not the criminal you want to arrest. This is a case of mistaken identity.
See also: case, identity, mistaken, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive
Predominantly, remote identity proofing has led to efficient onboarding and account creation and curbed fraud and identity theft.
MRRSE-Identity & Access Management Market: Identity Assurance with Risk Analytics Becomes One of the Most Sought-After Trends
It is only when some people feel excluded economically that identity comes to the fore.
Discussion on coexistence with multiple identities
Rob Laurence states: "I really enjoy working for Innovate Identity as we have tackled some fascinating projects working alongside the Open Identity Exchange on projects such as attribute exchange as well as advising Timpson on their launch of ArkHive, the first Identity Shop to open in the UK.
Rob Laurence joins Innovate Identity Board of Directors
Critique: Eloquent, informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Jewish Identity: The Challenge of Peoplehood Today" is an absorbing read from beginning to end.
Jewish Identity
The seminar, organised by the Qatar Heritage and Identity Centre and sponsored by Vodafone, saw prominent speakers discussing factors impacting Qatar's national identity in addition to major topics pertaining to the significance of conserving a country's national identity.
Arabic 'vital to our identity', seminar told
Identity is emerging as a critical layer in the new IT security stack as people continue to use cloud-connected devices and applications outside the corporate network.
PING IDENTITY AND IDENTITY OVER IP JOIN FORCES
Moreover, using a social network identity means users don't have to remember rarely used passwords or endure convoluted password reset processes when they forget them."
By 2015 50% Customer Identities Will Be Based on Social Network: Gartner
Gasser and Stefan note that personal identity is continuous.
Personal Identity: Complex or Simple?
On May 8, the House Ways and Means Oversight and Social Security Subcommittees held a hearing on tax fraud involving identity theft.
TIGTA, Congress target identity theft
M2 EQUITYBITES-February 23, 2012-Ping Identity opens new offices in Tokyo and Sydney(C)2012 M2 COMMUNICATIONS http://www.m2.com
Ping Identity opens new offices in Tokyo and Sydney
Immigration and Customs Enforcement action against a nationwide identity fraud ring.
City man accused of being ID broker
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