mixed message
Any communication that is contradictory, inconsistent, or unclear, especially in its motive or intent.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He sends me mixed messages about our plans.”
“The boss said the project was a priority, but then cut our budget, which sent a mixed message to the team.”
“Her polite words were contradicted by her cold body language, leaving the audience to struggle with the mixed message she was clearly projecting.”
- 01
mix apples and oranges
To mix or confuse two completely different objects or ideas.
- 02
mix it up
To compete vigorously, to quarrel, or to fight physically.
- 03
mix up
To mix or blend thoroughly and completely.
- 04
mixed bag
Something tending to have both good and bad results or characteristics; something having a mixture of advantages and disadvantages.
- 05
mixed blessing
Something that has both good and bad features.
- 06
mixed herbs
A common mix of different dried herbs for general culinary use, containing some or all of basil, sage, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
- 07
mixed picture
A situation in which both negatives and positives are found.
- 08
send a message
To implicitly communicate an idea, typically through one's actions.
Last updated August 10, 2026