Some of these phrases will be things that only native English speakers would understand (how “bless your heart” is really an insult), some will be silly observations (the German word for poison is “gift”), and others will be somewhat serious (the allure and subsequent failings of communism). Regardless of all this, these are 25 Misleading Phrases If You Don’t Know Their True Meaning.
Featured Image: collegedegrees360 via Flickr
Having your work cut out for you
So you’re saying I don’t have to do any cutting? Somebody already started on it?
Agent Orange
Image: commons.wikimedia.org It sounds like a punk band.
Note: actually, it is.
Having your wages garnished
Image: pexels.com So my paycheck comes with decorations?
Friendly fire
Alright guys, let’s gather around this friendly fire and share some stories!
Molotov cocktail
Image: pixabay.com They taste like fire!
An outstanding bank balance
Image: pixabay.com So you’re telling me that you’re not complimenting me on my account?
Puppy mills
It’s like a windmill…except with puppies.
Athlete’s foot
That sounds good, can I have two of them?
Positive test results
Image: pixabay.com In a medical environment this might be misleading. Positive as in good or positive as in I’m going to die?
The Manhattan Project
Image: commons.wikimedia.org It sounds like a cool summer camp for kids.
The Patriot Act
Image: pixabay.com But then again, most bills with flowery names will likely be the opposite of what the flowery name suggests.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
With a name like that, how is that not the freest place on Earth?
Women’s Suffrage
For a non-native speaker, “suffrage” is easily confused with “suffering.”
Gift
Image: pixabay.com If you are ever in Germany, don’t be mislead. This means “poison.”
Waterboarding
Image: commons.wikimedia.org This might sound fun without context.
Global warming
This could sound appealing especially during the winter.
”Bless your heart”
You just got slapped southern style.
Communism
On paper, it looks pretty good.
Microsoft Works
Well, it usually doesn’t, but it definitely sounds good.
Convenience charge (for online purchases)
Sure, I’d love to pay the convenience charge!
Being grown up
To the kids reading this…it is the opposite of what you think it is
Dutch oven
Unfortunately, this has very little to do with ovens…or the Dutch.
Multi level marketing
You’ve been warned
The electric chair
Image: publicdomainpictures.net So it’s like a battery powered wheelchair?
Candlelight vigil
It sounds amazing, but if you’re holding one it’s probably for a negative reason.
Photos: 22. The US Army via Flickr, 19. Kinjeng Submiter via Flicker, 18. Andres Nieto Porras via Flickr, 13. justgrimes via Flickr, 10. Robert Young via Flickr, 8. Eureka287 & Lasse Havelund via commons.wikimedia, 7. Ben Franske via commons.wikimedia, 1. Exploringlife via commons.wikimedia
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