take something 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.

take something the wrong ˈway

be offended by a remark that was not intended to be offensive: Don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t you think you should get your hair cut?