mixed messages/signals

plural noun

: a showing of thoughts or feelings that are very different from each other

I don't know if he likes me; he keeps giving me mixed messages.

She's sending mixed signals about her feelings.

Examples of mixed messages/signals in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Alongside mixed signals from the economy, a series of major companies have released strong earnings, indicating a resilient corporate bottom line. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2025

Their mixed signals are not a sign of emotional availability. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

European countries are preparing to shoulder more of their defense responsibilities as the Trump administration telegraphs plans to potentially scale back troops in Europe and pull back on US support for Ukraine — though Trump has sent mixed signals on the latter as of late. —Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 28 July 2025

With Mars in your sign and Venus in your tenth house of authority and reputation, you’re torn between chasing career goals and interpreting someone’s mixed signals. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 23 July 2025