wrong end of the stick

English

Noun

wrong end of the stick

1. A wrong idea about something, a misconception.

   As usual, the newspapers got hold of the wrong end of the stick and stated the whole problem in reverse.

Usage notes

• Usually expressed as get hold of the wrong end of the stick, or grasp the wrong end of the stick, or other similar form.

See also

• shit end of the stick
• short end of the stick