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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Get the wrong end of the stick

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

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

To misunderstand a situation or what someone means.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I got the wrong end of the stick and thought the meeting had been cancelled.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.

Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

To misunderstand a situation or what someone means.
Show the answer

Get the wrong end of the stick — To misunderstand a situation or what someone means.

Try your own sentence (optional)

Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Get the wrong end of the stick” about your own life.

Check your sentence

Does your sentence match this meaning?

To misunderstand a situation or what someone means.

Compare: I got the wrong end of the stick and thought the meeting had been cancelled.

Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this informal UK expression to explain or correct a misunderstanding. Saying “I got the wrong end of the stick” is a useful way to acknowledge your own mistake.

More examples in context

  • You may have got the wrong end of the stick; the fee includes all three sessions.
  • She got the wrong end of the stick when she read only the first line of the message.

Usage note

Keep the full phrase “the wrong end of the stick.” It concerns understanding, not a physical object, and does not necessarily imply anyone was dishonest.

A short conversation

A: I thought you wanted me to leave the group.
B: You got the wrong end of the stick. I meant we should leave the room because our booking had ended.
A: Thanks for clearing that up.

One more practice question

Who gets the wrong end of the stick?

A. Someone who understands the message exactly as intended.
B. Someone who misunderstands the meaning of a message.

Check your answer

B. The expression describes a mistaken understanding.

Related lessons

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

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