bum steer: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bum steer’ mean?
The idiom "bum steer" means to receive misleading or false information that leads to a mistake, disappointment, or failure.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "head south" means to go in the wrong direction or to experience a decline or failure.
The idiom "go wrong" means that something does not go as planned or expected, and results in a failure or a mistake.
The idiom "go down the wrong way" means to do or say something that is inappropriate, offensive or causes discomfort to others.
The idiom "get the boot" means to be fired or dismissed from a job or position. It suggests the abrupt or unpleasant manner in which someone is let go.
The idiom "get taken in" means to be deceived or fooled by someone or something. It implies being tricked or misled into believing something that is not true.
The idiom "fucked over" is a vulgar way to describe someone being deceived, betrayed, or treated unfairly by others, usually resulting in negative consequences or harm. It implies a sense of being taken advantage of and often carries strong emotions of anger, frustration, or disappointment.
"Fool's bargain" is an idiom that refers to a deal or agreement that appears to be advantageous at first, but ultimately turns out to be a mistake or a bad decision.
An idiom meaning to continue to promote or pursue something that is already doomed to failure, often out of stubbornness or ignorance.
Misguided directions
The idiom "bum steer" is an American slang phrase that means being given incorrect or misleading information or advice. It's like getting a "bum rap", which is another idiom that means being unfairly blamed or criticized.
The term "bum" in "bum steer" refers to something of poor quality or inadequate, while "steer" refers to guidance or direction. So, when you get a "bum steer", you're basically being led in the wrong direction or given false guidance.
The origins of the "bum steer" idiom are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century. It may have evolved from phrases like "bum advice" or "bum steerage", which also conveyed the same idea of getting misleading or poor guidance.
One possible reason for the use of "bum" in this idiom is its association with homelessness or vagrancy. In the early 20th century, "bum" was often used to refer to a homeless person or someone who wandered aimlessly. This connection might align with the idea of being misguided or led astray.
Another related idiom is "bum rush", which means to attack or overwhelm someone or something quickly and forcefully. It's like getting a sudden rush of criticism or opposition. The term "bum's rush" is also related and has a similar meaning of forcibly ejecting or removing someone or something.
The term "steer" in "bum steer" is believed to have originated from the cattle industry in the American West. A "steer" is a castrated male cow bred for beef production. The term was commonly used in the context of cattle driving and herding. So, when you get a "bum steer", it's like being led in the wrong direction by a wayward steer.
Despite its unclear origins, the idiom "bum steer" has maintained its original meaning of being given incorrect or misleading information. It is commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing. The phrase has become ingrained in American vernacular, demonstrating its widespread recognition and understanding.
While the exact etymology of this idiom remains uncertain, its continued usage and recognition highlight its enduring relevance in contemporary American language. The phrase "bum steer" serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential pitfalls and deception that can come from relying on faulty guidance or advice. It encourages individuals to question and scrutinize the information they receive, emphasizing the importance of discernment in navigating through life's challenges.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom bum steer can be used in a sentence:
- His friend gave him a bum steer about the best route to the beach, causing him to get lost for hours.
- I followed the advice of a random website and it turned out to be a bum steer; the information was completely incorrect.
- She felt she had been given a bum steer when her colleague suggested investing in a stock that ended up plummeting in value.
More "Deception" idioms
