Get the frequency wrong
Meaning
To misunderstand the actual prevalence, commonness, or importance of something, often leading to incorrect conclusions or actions.
Origin
Imagine a world reliant on early radio, where a subtle twist of a dial determined whether you received a clear broadcast or a cacophony of static. To “get the frequency wrong” meant missing the message entirely, tuning into noise instead of information. This literal act of miscalibration, crucial in the burgeoning age of wireless communication, slowly broadened its metaphorical reach. As the 20th century progressed and society became increasingly aware of data and statistics, “frequency” came to represent the prevalence or commonness of ideas, events, or opinions. The phrase thus transcended its technical roots, becoming a vivid shorthand for misjudging the true scale or importance of something—a failure to tune into the real world, much like a radio operator failing to find the right channel.
Examples
- If you only listen to a few extreme voices, you might get the frequency wrong about public opinion on the issue.
- The marketing team got the frequency wrong when they assumed everyone wanted daily email updates; weekly is clearly preferred.