have mixed feelings

Meaning

To feel both positive and negative emotions about something at the same time, leading to indecision or uncertainty. It is used when you can see both the pros and cons of a situation, making it hard to be entirely happy or entirely sad. The tone is reflective and honest.

Examples

• I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city; I'm excited but also scared.

  I have mixed feelings about moving to a new city; I'm excited but also scared.

• She had mixed feelings about her promotion because it meant working longer hours.

  She had mixed feelings about her promotion because it meant working longer hours.

• Most people have mixed feelings about the new modern building downtown.

  Most people have mixed feelings about the new modern building downtown.

• I have mixed feelings about his apology; it sounded sincere, but he has lied before.

  I have mixed feelings about his apology; it sounded sincere, but he has lied before.

• We had mixed feelings when our oldest son left for university.

  We had mixed feelings when our oldest son left for university.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I have mixed feeling about the new job.

  ✓ I have mixed feelings about the new job.

  The noun 'feelings' must always be plural in this idiom because you are experiencing multiple, conflicting emotions.

• ✗ She has mixed feelings for her upcoming move.

  ✓ She has mixed feelings about her upcoming move.

  We use the preposition 'about' (not 'for' or 'to') to connect the mixed feelings to the subject or event.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I ___ about the movie; the acting was great, but the plot was terrible.

  💡 feel both good and bad emotions

  Show answer

  have mixed feelings

• She ___ about retirement after working at the company for 40 years.

  💡 past tense of have mixed feelings

  Show answer

  had mixed feelings