the wrong end of the stick

noun phrase

chiefly British, informal

: an incorrect understanding of something

You've got (hold of) the wrong end of the stick. He didn't push me; I fell.

Examples of the wrong end of the stick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web One is that the Fed has grasped the wrong end of the stick in its battle against high prices. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2023 Critics who dispute that taxpayers will be held harmless have the wrong end of the stick, however. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'the wrong end of the stick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near the wrong end of the stick

the writing/handwriting is on the wall

the wrong end of the stick

the wrong horse

See More Nearby Entries

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“The wrong end of the stick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20wrong%20end%20of%20the%20stick. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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