The most commonly misheard sayings include ‘scapegoat’, ‘damp squib’ and being on ‘tenterhooks’.
A poll, of 2,000 adults, found ‘wriggle room’ is frequently used after mishearing it, while others have mistakenly thought ‘nip in the bud’ – was actually ‘nip in the butt’.
‘Chomping at the bit’ is another phrase many have used incorrectly – as it should be ‘champing’ – and some have been ‘biting’ their time, rather than ‘biding’.
Nearly half (46%) admit they have used at least one of the common misheard sayings – officially known as ‘eggcorns’.
The research was commissioned by Specsavers, which has team up with Gyles Brandreth, to launch its ‘Misheard Manifesto’, that aims to bring to an end to these incorrect phrases.
The writer, broadcaster and wordsmith, who has revealed he has hearing loss and has been missing clarity and high frequency notes, said: “These misheard sayings have plagued our nation’s conversations for too many years.
“Clear hearing is the cornerstone of clear conversations. So, if you’ve ever heard these treasured sayings as ‘escape goat’ when it’s ‘scapegoat’, or dare I say it ‘nip it in the butt’ when it’s ‘nip it in the bud’, consider getting a hearing check.
“I recently had one after noticing I had been asking people to repeat themselves more frequently and found out I have some hearing loss. I’ve now got hearing aids and I’m amazed to discover how clear things sound again.”
The study found 40% of people have been mishearing sayings for years, with one in 10 for their entire lives. But when others use misheard sayings – a quarter find them irritating or annoying.
Yet, over half (52%) wouldn’t want to risk embarrassing or offending someone by pointing out when they’ve got it wrong and 41% are too polite to correct them, according to the figures conducted via OnePoll.
However, when mishearers are corrected, 26% are surprised – and 15% are shocked at the proper phrase.
One in two of those surveyed (52%) put their misuse of common words and sayings down to hearing difficulties. Despite this only 41% had gone for a hearing check in the past five years, the survey found.
TV’s Dr Zoe Williams, who has also teamed up with Specsavers, added: “Everyone’s hearing changes over time but you shouldn’t have to settle for ‘OK’ hearing.
“If you’re mishearing things or ‘just getting the gist’ during conversation, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed. Get a free hearing check on the high street to find out what support can put you on track to hearing clearly again.”
Separate research found more than five million people in the UK are actively ignoring a hearing issue, just struggling through with unclear or reduced hearing.
They often wait 10 years before addressing changes in their hearing and, as a result, can experience a reduced quality of life, difficulty communicating, and feelings of isolation.
Martina McNulty, a Specsavers audiologist, concluded: “18 million adults in the UK have hearing loss and many more don’t realise that they are not hearing things as clearly as they used to.
“The earlier we recognise this and the sooner we act, the more we can minimise any long-term damage. If there is any hearing loss, we can help you find the hearing technology that suits your needs and lifestyle.”