mistaken

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

you (must) have mistaken me for someone who gives a shit

rude slang I don't care in the slightest about what you are saying. A: "Please don't discuss that topic on the air. You might offend some of our listeners." B: "Oh, I'm sorry, you must have mistaken me for someone who gives a shit." A: "I'm sorry, boss, but I don't know if I'll have the project done on time. I'm just dealing with a lot of personal issues." B: "You've clearly mistaken me for someone who gives a shit. Get it done by Friday, or you can look for a new job."

See also: for, give, have, mistaken, shit, someone, who

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.