From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishtake something the wrong waytake something the wrong wayUNDERSTANDto be offended by a remark because you have understood it wrongly I like you. Don’t take this the wrong way, now. I mean as a friend. → wrong
Examples from the Corpus
take something the wrong way• Daniel sat in silence, afraid whatever he said would be taken the wrong way.• Weeb said his father was afraid people might take it the wrong way.• Don't tell Simon that -- he might take it the wrong way.• No, that's not what I meant. You take everything the wrong way.• Don't take that the wrong way.• Everything you say, he takes it in the wrong way.• Maggie said that I shouldn't make risky jokes with assessors in case they take it the wrong way.• No matter what compliment you pay them, they always take it the wrong way.• Don't take this the wrong way, but could I stay at your place tonight?• Don't take this the wrong way, but your driving has really improved. 