message
Information sent to someone
Words or information that you send to someone.
send [someone] a message
- I got a message from my boss this morning.
- Please leave a message after the beep.
- She sent me a text message to confirm our meeting.
- I didn't receive your message until late last night.
- He wrote a quick message on a sticky note.
- I got a message from my friend.
- Please send me a message.
- She left a message on my phone.
- I read your message this morning.
Main idea or meaning
The main idea that someone wants to say in their words, art, or actions.
the message of [something]
- The movie's message was about the importance of friendship.
- Her speech carried a powerful political message.
- I think the message of this book is hope.
- They wanted to send a clear message to their competitors.
- The song's message resonated with many young people.
- The story has a good message.
- The message of this movie is love.
- I like the message in this song.
- The teacher gave us an important message about helping others.
Send information to someone
To send words or information to someone, often by phone or computer.
message [someone] [something]
- I'll message you the details later.
- She messaged her colleague about the meeting change.
- Can you message me when you arrive?
- They messaged all the participants with updates.
- I will message you tomorrow.
- Please message me when you are ready.
- He messaged his friend about the party.
- Can you message her now?
- Base: message
- Plural: message, messages
- Base: message
- 3rd Person Singular: messages
- Present Participle: messaging
- Past: messaged
get the message
1Understand indirect communication
To understand what someone means, often without them saying it directly.
- He finally got the message and stopped calling her.
- I think they got the message after we refused twice.
leave a message
1Record info for absent person
To say or write information for someone who is not there at that time.
- Please leave a message after the tone.
- I left a message on her voicemail.
mixed messages
1Confusing communication signals
When someone's words or actions give different ideas and make you unsure what they mean.
- He's been giving me mixed messages about whether he wants to join us.
- The government's statements are sending mixed messages to the public.
mixed messages
1signals that contradict each other
Different messages that don’t agree with each other.
- He says he wants to help, but his actions send mixed messages.
- We’re getting mixed messages from management about deadlines.
- Her tone was friendly, but her words gave mixed messages.
send a clear message
1Communicate without doubt
To say or do something so that people understand exactly what you mean.
- The new law sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated.
- Her resignation sends a clear message to management.
shoot the messenger
1Blame bearer of bad news
To get angry with the person who tells you bad news, not the person who caused it.
- Don't shoot the messenger—I’m just telling you what I heard.
- She shot the messenger when I told her about the budget cuts.
shoot the messenger
2Blame bearer of bad news
To be angry at the person who tells you bad news, instead of the person or thing that caused it.
- Don't shoot the messenger—I'm just telling you what happened.
- She shot the messenger when I told her about the budget cuts.