send mixed signals

Meaning

This expression means to behave in a confusing or contradictory way, showing both positive and negative reactions or feelings toward someone. It is often used in dating contexts when someone seems highly interested one day but distant and cold the next, leaving the other person unsure of where they stand.

Examples

• One day he texts me non-stop, and the next he ignores me; he's really sending mixed signals.

  One day he texts me non-stop, and the next he ignores me; he's really sending mixed signals.

• I don't want to send mixed signals, so I'll be clear that I just want to be friends.

  I don't want to send mixed signals, so I'll be clear that I just want to be friends.

• She's sending mixed signals by agreeing to go out but never picking a date.

  She's sending mixed signals by agreeing to go out but never picking a date.

• Stop sending mixed signals and just tell him how you actually feel.

  Stop sending mixed signals and just tell him how you actually feel.

• I'm getting mixed signals from my boss about whether my contract will be renewed.

  I'm getting mixed signals from my boss about whether my contract will be renewed.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She is sending mixed signs.

  ✓ She is sending mixed signals.

  The correct idiomatic phrase uses 'signals,' not 'signs.'

• ✗ He sends to me mixed signals.

  ✓ He is sending me mixed signals.

  In this structure, 'send' takes an indirect object directly without the preposition 'to' unless you say 'send mixed signals to me.'

Related Expressions

Practice

• I can't tell if she likes me or not because she keeps ___.

  💡 Behaving in a confusing, contradictory way.

  Show answer

  sending mixed signals

• Instead of ___, just be honest about your feelings.

  💡 Giving conflicting messages about your intentions.

  Show answer

  sending mixed signals