Gyles Brandreth teams up with Specsavers for its 'Misheard Manifesto’ The most commonly misheard sayings include ‘scapegoat’, ‘damp squib’ and being on ‘tenterhooks’. A poll, of 2,000 adults, found ‘wriggle room’ is frequently used after mishearing it, while others have mistakenly thought ‘nip in the bud’ - was actually ‘nip in the butt’. Don't miss.
.. This Morning star sparks frenzy as he fuels Midsomer Murders appearance rumours [LATEST] This Morning's Gyles Brandreth suffers 'defeat' in emotional wife update [LATEST] ‘Chomping at the bit’ is another phrase many have used incorrectly - as it should be ‘champing’ - and some have been ‘biting’ their time, rather than ‘biding’.
Nearly half (46%) admit they have used at least one of the common misheard sayings - officially known as ‘eggcorns’. The research was commissioned by Specsavers, which has team up with Gyles Brandreth, to launch its ‘Misheard Manifesto’, that aims to bring to an end to these incorrect phrases. The writer, broadcaster and wordsmith, who has revealed he has hearing loss and has been missing clarity and high frequency notes, said: “These misheard sayings have plagued our nation’s conversations for too many years.
“Clear hearing is the cornerstone of clear conversations. So, if you’ve ever heard these treasured sayings as ‘escape goat’ when it’s ‘scapegoat’, or dare I say it ‘nip it in the butt’ when it’s ‘nip it in the bud’, cons.