Tiếng Anh vui: Những cách nói thường bị dùng sai
It’s not always easy to hear things correctly the first time. Sometimes, common phrases get bungled in transit, and we’re stuck saying them wrong for years. Here are some common words people say wrong — see how many you’ve been using incorrectly.
Nip it in the butt –> Nip it in the BUD
It’s not a pleasant image when you put it that way. The actual phrase is “nip it in the bud,” meaning to end something before it grows and gets out of hand. No butts involved.
On accident –> On PURPOSE
It’s correct to say “on purpose,” so naturally “on accident” is the opposite, right? Wrong. The proper usage is “by accident.”
I could care less –> I COULDNN’T care less
If you could care less about something, that means you still care about it. If you want to tell someone how few rat tails you have to give, tell them you “couldn’t care less.”
Could of –> could’VE
Yes, it may sound like “could of” when said out loud, but it’s spelt “could’ve.” It’s a contraction of two words — could and have.
Worse comes to worse –> worse comes to WORST
If worse comes to worse, isn’t that just the same thing? But if “worse comes to worst,” then you can worry. Get in your bunker and prepare for the worst.
Deep seeded –> deep-SEATED
This makes sense — a seed is planted deep in the ground. But the metaphor is still wrong. The correct phrase is “deep-seated,” to mean it’s rooted in place and likely hidden.
Do a 360 –> do a 180
If you’re trying to change yourself, a 360 will land you right back at the starting position, as it’s a full circle. If you’re attempting to be different, try doing a 180.
Statue of limitations –> STATUTE (law) of limitations
While there’s no “statue” dedicated to limitations, there is a “statute (law) of limitations” that dictates how long justice can legally be served after a crime was committed.
Pawn off –> PALM off
This one is tricky because you could eliminate unwanted items in a pawn shop. The correct usage is “palm off,” which means to trick someone into doing something so you don’t have to.
Hone In –> HOME in
Skills can be honed, but you can’t hone in on something. The term is “home in,” like a homing pigeon bred to find its way home. If you’re homing in, you’re getting close to your goal.
Extract Revenge –> EXACTING revenge
If you want revenge on someone, you don’t like to extract it. You like to exact it. “Exacting revenge” means you demand your desire for revenge is satisfied.
