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MrPernickety Posted 17 years ago
Vocabulary

Meaning of "strike a discordant note"

Hi,

I came by this excerpt:

The sharp turnabout in tone and substance reflected a recognition not only that Mr. McCain had struck a discordant note at a sensitive moment but also that he had done so with regard to the very issue on which he can least afford to stumble

Could you elaborate on the meaning of "strike a discordant note", please? Does it mean that he had turned the public against him by saying something that made the public turn on him?

Also, is this phrase often used in conversation ?

Thanks !
  

Top answer

"to strike a discordant note" means to say something negative or inappropriate -- contradicting statements made by other people, or not in keeping with the situation, or similar. It doesn't in itself specifically relate to public opinion, though it may do here if that fits the context.

— Mr Wordy

  • "to strike a discordant note" means to say something negative or inappropriate -- contradicting statements made by other people, or not in keeping with the situation, or similar.
  • It doesn't in itself specifically relate to public opinion, though it may do here if that fits the context.
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3 Answers
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"to strike a discordant note" means to say something negative or inappropriate -- contradicting statements made by other people, or not in keeping with the situation, or similar. It doesn't in itself specifically relate to public opinion, though it may do here if that fits the context.
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Thank you, Mr. Wordy !

I get it now.
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MrPernicketyAlso, is this phrase often used in conversation ?

Sorry, I forgot your second question. It's not hugely common in conversation. However, it's quite OK to use if you want to, and it wouldn't be a noticeably odd thing to say in the right context.
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