clanger

Thân thiện

He dropped a clanger by calling his new boss by the wrong name.

Definition

Noun: A very noticeable or embarrassing mistake, especially one made in a social situation, whose effects are felt or remembered for some time.

Usage

This word is primarily used in informal British English. It describes a significant, often humorous or awkward, error that draws immediate attention. The imagery of a "clang" suggests a loud, jarring sound, emphasizing how the mistake stands out.

Examples

• The politician dropped a clanger during the live interview when he forgot the name of his own party's leader.
• I really made a clanger at the meeting by accidentally revealing the surprise party plans.
• Asking about her ex-husband was a bit of a clanger; I didn't know they had divorced.

Advanced Usage

• To drop a clanger: This is the most common collocation for making such a mistake.
  • He's known for dropping clangers at the most inappropriate moments.
• To make a clanger: A less common but acceptable alternative to "drop a clanger."

Variants and Related Words

• Clang (verb/noun): To make a loud, resonant metallic sound, or the sound itself. This is the onomatopoeic root of "clanger."
• Clanger can informally refer to something that is obviously bad or false.
  • That excuse is a real clanger; no one will believe it.

Synonyms

• Blooper: A silly or embarrassing mistake.
• Gaffe: A social blunder or faux pas.
• Faux pas: A socially awkward or tactless act.
• Blunder: A careless or stupid mistake.

Idioms and Phrases

• Drop a clanger: To make a conspicuous and embarrassing mistake.
  • She dropped a clanger by congratulating him on a promotion he didn't get.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a conspicuous mistake whose effects seem to reverberate
   • he dropped a clanger