cross wires
The phrase "cross wires" can refer to both an idiomatic expression about misunderstandings and a technical term in optics and electronics.
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Definition
B2Communication
(idiomatic, informal)To experience a misunderstanding or miscommunication between people.
Example
- We seem to have crossed wires about the meeting time; I thought it was at 3 PM, not 2 PM.
C1Optics
(technical)The intersecting lines in an optical instrument used for alignment or measurement.
Example
- The astronomer adjusted the telescope until the star was centered on the cross wires.
B2Electronics
(technical)To connect electrical wires incorrectly, causing malfunction or confusion.
Example
- The device didn't work because someone had crossed the wires during installation.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "cross wires":
crossed wiresby wirewire offcross overwire rushbehind the wirecross uplive wire