We all have our pet peeves and one of mine is misused phrases, whether in speech or in the written word (horrors!). Here are a few of the idioms that cause me to wince.
Moot Point.
Some people mistakenly think this phrase is “mute point,” but that is false. The word “moot” means debatable or doubtful; synonyms include unsettled or disputed. You kind of agree to disagree to a moot point. The word “mute” means unspeaking or silent; thus, a “mute point” would be silent. Similar but definitely not the same.
A correct use: It is a moot point to discuss whether the chicken or the egg came first.
Flesh Out.
The idiom to “flesh out” an idea literally means to give substance to something, say, an argument, report, a timeline, a discussion, etc. Literally to put flesh on the bones of an idea. To “flush out” means clearing it with liquid – like flushing a toilet. Another use for “flush out” is when a bird is “flushed out” of hiding, as in when being hunted.
A correct use: We need to flush out the pipes before the winter freeze.
A correct use: We have the airfare and car rental, let’s flesh out the remainer of our itinerary.
Nip in the Bud
This one is funny. The origin seems to come from a common gardening tactic. When something is just a bud (a leaf or a flower), if you cut it off…nip it…then it can’t grow, thus you nip it in the bud or prevent out of control growth. Many people commonly hear this as “nip in the butt,” but let’s reserve that for guard dogs who are known to nip at people’s rear ends.
A correct use: Establishing clear boundaries can nip future relationship challenges in the bud.
For All Intents and Purposes
Some people hear this as “for all intensive purposes” but that is incorrect. The phrase is for all intents and purposes meaning that a thing may not be exact, but it is true enough (for all intents and purposes) to be the correct choice. If the phrase were “for all intensive purposes” that would hold the meaning that the actual purpose is intense or severe or of a high/extreme degree.
A correct use: The girl insisted her dress was lavender, but for all intents and purposes you could call it light purple.