* Get the wrong end of the stick: This means to misunderstand something completely, often because you have misinterpreted a statement or action.
* Example: "He got the wrong end of the stick and thought I was angry with him."
* Misunderstand: While not a phrasal verb, it's the most direct way to express misunderstanding.
* Example: "I think you misunderstood me. I didn't mean that at all."
* Get something wrong: This means to make a mistake in understanding something.
* Example: "I got his instructions wrong and now I have to start all over again."
* Take something the wrong way: This means to interpret something negatively or offensively when it was not intended that way.
* Example: "He took my joke the wrong way and got offended."
* Read into something: This means to interpret a situation or statement in a way that was not intended, often by adding your own assumptions or beliefs.
* Example: "Don't read into it - I was just being friendly."
The best phrasal verb to use will depend on the specific situation and the nuance you want to convey.