mixed message
A signal, message, or communication that has, or is interpreted as having, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. (Often plural.) I keep getting these mixed messages from my ex-girlfriend. I can't tell if she just wants to be friends, or if she's interested in getting back together. I just think it sends something of a mixed message to be advertising a new production assistant position right after we went through a round of layoffs.
get (a) mixed message(s)
To receive a signal, message, or communication that has, or seems to have, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. I keep getting these mixed messages from my ex-girlfriend. I can't tell if she just wants to be friends, or if she's interested in getting back together. I've just been getting a mixed message from my boss lately about what he thinks of my performance so far.
send (a) mixed message(s)
To communicate something that has, or seems to have, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. My ex-girlfriend has accused me of sending mixed messages about our relationship, as if I'm hinting that I want to get back together with her. I just think it sends something of a mixed message to be advertising a new production assistant position right after we went through a round of layoffs.
mixed signal
A signal, message, or communication that has, or is interpreted as having, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. (Often plural.) I keep getting these mixed signals from my ex-girlfriend. I can't tell if she just wants to be friends, or if she's interested in getting back together. I just think it sends something of a mixed signal to be advertising a new production assistant position right after we went through a round of layoffs.
get (a) mixed signal(s)
To receive a signal, message, or communication that has, or seems to have, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. I keep getting these mixed signals from my ex-girlfriend. I can't tell if she just wants to be friends, or if she's interested in getting back together. I've just been getting a mixed signal from my boss lately about what he thinks of my performance so far.
send (a) mixed signal(s)
To communicate something that has, or seems to have, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. My ex-girlfriend has accused me of sending mixed signals about our relationship, as if I'm hinting I want to get back together with her. I just think it sends something of a mixed signal to be advertising a new production assistant position right after we went through a round of layoffs.
a mixed picture
A portrayal of a situation highlighting both positive and negative aspects of its nature or status. Despite the government's upbeat remarks, the Federal Reserve today published a report showing a mixed picture of the status of the economy's recovery.
mixed emotions
Positive and negative emotions that are experienced simultaneously and are often in conflict with one another. I've got mixed emotions about starting college this fall: on the one hand, I can't wait to start the next chapter in my education, but, on the other, I will be so sad leaving my friends and family behind.
mixed feelings
Positive and negative emotions that are experienced simultaneously and which are often in conflict with one another. I've got mixed feelings about starting college this fall: on the one hand, I can't wait to start the next chapter in my education, but, on the other, I will be so sad leaving my friends and family behind.
mix apples and oranges
To combine or compare two different things. You can't compare your job as a nurse to mine as an engineer—that's mixing apples and oranges!
mixed bag
A diverse mixture or group. The conference was a mixed bag of all kinds of different people. I thought that all of my classes this semester would be interesting, but it's really been a mixed bag so far.
be a mixed blessing
To have both positive and negative results. My new promotion will be a mixed blessing for my family because I'll get a substantial raise, but I'll have to work longer hours too.