To be honest, we’ve all been in a situation where a proper word or phrase for a perfect answer just couldn’t come to mind. However, there is one thing worse than not knowing how to express yourself. Being confident about something while you’re actually wrong can be quite embarrassing.

Given the fact that there is such a vast specter of different idioms, slangs, and phrases, everyone is allowed to make a mistake sometimes. Let’s remind ourselves not to make these 15 mistakes.

“He doesn’t seem phased!”

Maybe you’re trying to say that someone doesn’t look very upset or disturbed by something that’s been done to him. It’s about spelling. A phase is a stage in life, for example. It is connected with a period of time. You can say that the moon goes through its four phases. You can also say that there are different phases of teenage behavior. But, when someone can’t upset you, then the right way to express that is to use “faze”.

“Don’t faze me!”

“Get me some food, I’m having hunger pains!”

We believe that some people might almost feel pain when they’re hungry, but this is not the right way to describe the state of needing a meal. The correct saying is “pangs”. Do you know that feeling of an empty sensation in your abdomen?! Well, that’s called hunger pangs.

“If there was only something to eat, I’m having hunger pangs!”

“Shoe-in”

When trying to describe a person that’s almost a certain winner, most people reach this interesting saying. No, a shoe has nothing to do with the amount of success you’ll have with something. The correct way to say it is “shoo-in”. The term comes from its earlier use to denote a horse race winner.

“He’s a shoo-in for the new job!”

“That peaks my interest”

Although peak, peek, and pique are homophones, only one of those words say that you’re excitedly interested in something. The peak is the top of the mountain, for example. If you’re intensively thinking about something, then you’re piqued about it. Remember this one, it’s an interesting word fellow.

“He’s piqued about that subject!”

“Butt naked”

The saying is used to describe someone who is completely unclothed. Yes, it is intuitive to say that the person is butt naked because your butt is showing when you don’t wear any clothes. However, the older version of the same saying is buck naked. For example, you’re buck naked when you want to take a shower.

“She was buck naked under that coat!”

“I could care less!”

This one is a bit tricky. For most people, it naturally comes out in the wrong way. When you say that you could care less, then you’re actually saying that you care more than you want to. And here you are trying to say that you don’t care at all. If that’s your intention then “couldn’t care less” is the right option.

“I couldn’t care less about his reactions!”

“One in the same”

A lot of us are guilty of saying this each time we comment on something about twins, for example. If you’re trying to make a point that two people are very similar, try saying “one and the same”. That means that two persons/things/items are the same.

“He and his brother are one and the same!”

“Expresso”

There is no need to put that unpleasant word “ex” where it doesn’t belong, especially not when you’re trying to order the beloved black drink. When you wish for a cup of coffee, don’t ask for expresso because it doesn’t exist. Try ordering an espresso instead. That you’ll find on every corner.

“I need an espresso right away!”

“Ex-patriot”

If a patriot is someone who loves and supports his country unconditionally, then an ex-patriot should mean the opposite. Right? Not exactly! As intuitive as ex-patriot may sound, the correct word is expatriate. It describes a person who is living outside their native country. You know, like “Englishman In New York”.

“He’s a Belgian expatriate in Norway!”

“Free reign”

When trying to describe someone who has the complete freedom to make any decision, then lose the letter “g”. To reign means to rule, which is not something everyone can do. Free rein, however, is more common.

“I’m happiest when my brain is given free rein!”

“Worse-case scenario”

We can all agree that things can, almost always, escalate to being worse than they already are. So, there is a bad situation, and then there’s an even worse problem. However, if you’re talking about a situation that seems like it couldn’t get any worse, then you need to switch an “e” for “t” to get the worst-case scenario. That’s the one where you hit the bottom. Let’s hope that we won’t be experiencing that any time soon.

“Having him know all the information is the worst-case scenario!”

“I’ll give you leadway”

Okay, we get it. This is how you formulate a situation where you’re giving free space to someone. It’s just not how you spell it. Leadway is not even a word, and you should use leeway instead.

“She’s giving him leeway to think things through.”

“Change tact”

Things weren’t going as planned, and you had to make some changes. It’s fine, as long as you describe it by using “change tack” instead of tact. Did you know that captains use that term to notify the crew that there will be a change in direction?!

“They had to change tack a few times while traveling abroad!”

“Momento”

Spaniards would understand this one as needing more time to decide about something. But, if you’re shopping for a perfect gift then you’re looking for a memento. Now, here’s a word that describes something we all look forward to.

“I need to buy a Memento for my husband!”

“Piece of mind”

Don’t use the word piece when trying t explain that you need some calm and quiet. Piece of mind would literally mean that you’ve sliced a portion of your brain. “Peace of mind” is a different story. That’s when you lay down, and there’s nothing to worry about. Who wouldn’t like some peace of mind?

“I need peace of mind to do this homework!”

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