What do Scottish kilts, machine gun ammunition, cement mixers, graves, and Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding dress all have in common? They are all purported to be tied to the origins of the expression “the whole nine yards.” I have heard and read emphatic declarations that the real origin is . . . you fill in the blank. According to the New York Times, which ran a story on this topic on December 26, there is no clear answer. (I guess it was a slow news day.) They went on to quote language expert Ben Zimmer, “The phrase is interesting because it’s so mysterious.” Whatever its origin, most people who are fluent in English know what it means. Since its meaning is clear and its origin is so muddled, it is probably a safe.

Countless expressions like it pepper our language. Communications consultants often advise leaders to use words that capture people’s attention. Many expressions do that, but some can be problematic. Many are unequivocal like “the whole nine yards.” When someone says, “a drop in the bucket,” there is little doubt what they mean. The same is true with “honest as the day is long.” It is hard to confuse what these expressions mean. Even if you aren’t a native English speaker you can pretty much figure out what someone means when they use them. Even if you had to translate the expression word by word, the meaning is clear and precise.

I love colorful language, so I tolerate the confusion that some idioms generate. Certainly, the “nine yards” portion of “the whole nine yards” may be confusing, but putting “whole” at the front reduces that confusion. However, numerous expressions are used in ways that are offensive, incorrect, or even contrary to their origin. If you have any doubt about an expression – especially if it may be offensive – either research it or don’t use it. Avoid any expression rooted in stereotypes (e.g., “off the reservation”). I’m not saying adopt a politically correct vocabulary which eliminates words like niggardly (which is derived from Norse and has nothing to do with race). Simply stop using any of the myriad expressions that are rooted in bigotry or hatred and truly are offensive.

Now to the misused expressions. “Table stakes” is one such expression that has entered our lexicon recently. With the emergence of poker as a televised “sport,” people started adopting it, but they often confuse it with “price of entry.” They will say something like, “Being smart and hard working are just “table stakes” at our company. If you want to get ahead you need something more.” Those familiar with poker know that table stakes is just the opposite. It means everything you have. All you can stake (i.e. bet) is what’s on the table. So what does this example really mean. Most people understand that it is saying one needs more than smarts and hard work to get ahead, but it is confusing. So use it correctly or find another way to say it.

What about this gem? “To get one’s marching orders.” For years, I took it to mean to get guidance or direction. Most Americans who use it believe it to mean just that; however, it has a much more ominous meaning. According to The Wordsworth Dictionary of Idioms, “to get one’s marching orders” means “to be dismissed (from a job, etc.).” I learned this distinction in 2000 when working with a British colleague. We were working on a particularly unpleasant assignment, and my boss was very frustrated with his perceived lack of progress. My boss and I met one evening to clarify his expectations. The meeting went exceptionally well, so I shot a quick email to my British colleague saying, “Call me in the morning. We’ve got our marching orders.” That was not the email he wanted to read, nor was it the message I wanted to send. He spent that night worried about what was going to happen to him: were we fired, or was the project simply cancelled? My ignorance and misuse of a simple expression caused him significant angst. Fortunately, we were able to clear things up in the morning before he could do anything rash.

Last fall, I wrote several blog posts on the importance of using words well. As leaders, what we say has meaning, and how we say things matters. Don’t be afraid of figures of speech, idioms or euphemism. Embrace them and use them well. Just make sure you understand their meaning and their cultural implications. If you have any doubt about an expression, research it or don’t use it. This is particularly important when your audience is large or when the communications vehicle is asynchronous. If you are the CEO of an international company sending an email to your entire company, BEWARE!!! Your choice of words can have dire unintended consequences. On the other hand, if you are having a private conversation with a close friend, use whatever words you want. The worse that can happen is you come off looking like an idiot, and a good friend will let you know.