Send the wrong message phrase
To say or do something that makes others misunderstand the idea you are trying to communicate, and therefore what you are doing or saying doesn't bring about the desired outcome.
I know you have good intentions, but what you are doing might send the wrong message.
John has been sending the wrong message to youngsters that dropping out of college will make them rich.
The verb "send" must be conjugated according to its tense.
This phrase can be understood in its literal meaning.
Someone who is totally bad at doing something.
Mary really can't sing for toffee.