take the wrong way

take (something) the wrong way

To misunderstand or misinterpret something, especially in such a way as to take offense at what is said or done. Now, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I think it would be easier for everyone if you waited to visit until the baby is a few weeks old. I simply don't post online comments anymore, because too often what I say is taken the wrong way.

See also: take, way, wrong

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

take the wrong way

Also, take amiss. Misunderstand, misinterpret, especially so as to take offense. For example, I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but you have to give others a chance to speak , or Please don't take their criticism amiss; they mean well. The variant dates from the late 1300s. Also see get someone wrong.

See also: take, way, wrong

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.