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# a misunderstanding

phrase (noun: a misunderstanding, misunderstandings)

«a misunderstanding» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. a failure to understand correctly.
2. (euphemism) a quarrel or a disagreement.
3. (euphemism, spin) wrongdoing explained away as confusion.

### In the lessons

All regions; everyday and news. People say «a misunderstanding» to calm a row, and sometimes to excuse bad behaviour.

### Examples

- There's been a misunderstanding — I ordered tea, not coffee.
- We had a misunderstanding, but we're friends again.
- Police: «He said the stolen bike was a misunderstanding.»
- Sorry, my misunderstanding — I thought the test was tomorrow.
- It was all a big misunderstanding.
- Politician: «A misunderstanding about the expenses rules.»

### Note

Plain meaning first: getting something wrong. As a euphemism, it can stand for «a quarrel» or for «cheating, a lie». Spelt with «-ss-»: mis + understanding.