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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Get your wires crossed

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To misunderstand each other or have different understandings of the same arrangement.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. We got our wires crossed about who was bringing the projector.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To misunderstand each other or have different understandings of the same arrangement.
Show the answer

Get your wires crossed — To misunderstand each other or have different understandings of the same arrangement.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Get your wires crossed” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

To misunderstand each other or have different understandings of the same arrangement.

Compare: We got our wires crossed about who was bringing the projector.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use it conversationally to explain a mix-up without immediately blaming one person. It is useful for dates, places or responsibilities.

More examples in context

  • I think we have got our wires crossed: I meant Friday morning, not Friday evening.
  • The two teams got their wires crossed and booked different venues.

Usage note

A common pattern is “We got our wires crossed.” Match the possessive to the people involved, and explain the specific difference in understanding.

A short conversation

A: I thought you were collecting the keys.
B: We must have got our wires crossed. I thought you were doing it.
A: Let us call the organiser and agree who can go.

One more practice question

Which situation shows crossed wires?

A. Two people understand the same meeting time differently.
B. Two people confirm and understand the same meeting time correctly.

Check your answer

A. A communication mix-up has produced different understandings.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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