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mistake for

Idioms

Take someone or something for someone or something else, as in I'm sorry, I mistook you for her sister, or Don't mistake that friendly smile for good intentions; he's a tough competitor. [c. 1600]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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mistake for

The first signs of colorectal cancer can be mild, vague, or easy to mistake for common digestive problems.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

His playmates have nicknamed him “petit éclair” for his soft heart, which they mistake for weakness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 20, 2026

"It was a strategic mistake for Europe to turn its back on a reliable, affordable source of low-emission power," she said.

From Barron's ● Mar. 10, 2026

Ahead of boarding the plane on Tuesday night, Merz said Germany would continue its broader de-risking policy but that, "it would be a mistake for us to seek to decouple ourselves from China".

From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2026

“I kind of do, Golly, and my mistake for saying ‘wherever.’

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023