Welcome to another edition of “You don’t say!” when we examine expressions and sayings often confused or misunderstood. Here are some favorites.
- If you think that, you have another thing coming.
- She made a 360 degree change in attitude.
- We’ll play irregardless of the weather.
- I could care less.
- Supposably that’s his real name.
- He intended to extract revenge if it took every dime he had.
If you write or say any of these, stop! Your meaning is confused or contradicted. Here are the corrected sayings.
- If you think that, you have another think coming. (As in “think again.”)
- She made a 180 degree change in attitude. (360 gets her all the way back where she began)
- We’ll play regardless of the weather. (Irredgardless isn’t a word. Period.)
- I couldn’t care less. (Otherwise, you care because you could care less)
- Supposedly that’s his real name. (There’s no such word as supposably.)
- He intended to exact revenge if it took every dime he had. (I guess one could extract revenge, but it’d be messy.)
What incorrect sayings do you see or hear?
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