Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
take the wrong way en · VERB
Meanings
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(qualifier:set phrase, transitive) To misunderstand (something), especially in a case of mistakenly regarding someone's behavior or remarks as offensive or hostile.
"[N]ow you do see what I mean, don't you, now? And you won't take it the wrong way? No, I was sure you wouldn't. There, now, we'll shake 'ands over it, and be as good friends as ever."
1906, George Gissing, “The Salt of the Earth”, in The House of Cobwebs and Other Stories:Mr. Feeney said that it was all just a joke, and that he hoped nobody took it the wrong way. "I apologize to the extent that my remarks offended anyone," he said.
2000 December 15, “A Pledge to Change How Floridians Vote”, in New York Times, retrieved 14 Apr 2015:Colbert asked him about his three failed attempts to climb Mount Everest. Colbert: "Don't take this the wrong way, but doesn't that make you a quitter?"
2006 February 12, Marc Peyser, “The Truthiness Teller”, in Newsweek, retrieved 14 Apr 2015:
Forms
Relateds
rub the wrong way