Last week we talked about common American English idioms that people often get wrong. Today we’ll talk about idiom mistakes that might not be noticeable when spoken because they sound so close to the original, but will definitely attract attention if written down. Check out the list below and make sure you’re using these common idioms and phrases correctly!
Wrong: Escape goat
Right: A scapegoat
What it means: A person who is blamed for something that isn’t their fault
Wrong: Make do
Right: Make due
What it means: To make the best of something, or to do the best you can with what you have
Wrong: Doggie dog world
Right: Dog eat dog world
What it means: Used to describe a ruthlessly competitive situation
Wrong: Play it by year
Right: Play it by ear
What it means: To improvise or act spontaneously instead of having a set plan
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