It may sound a tad pedantic, but saying “flush out” when one means “flesh out” can have a serious and sometimes hilarious impact on the meaning of what one is trying to communicate.
This public service announcement is made on behalf of my jaw muscles, aching from trying to maintain a straight face through about a half hour conversation with someone who was apparently unaware of the difference.
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September 30, 2010 at 2:03 am
Diane
I’ve a coworker who is known for these sorts of things. “Nip it in the butt” is a persistent one.
September 30, 2010 at 4:52 pm
The Bovina Bloviator
For all intensive purposes he got it right.
October 1, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Jordana
Can I start complaining here about all the people who write “Wah-la!” when they mean “voila?”