Dangerous truths

10 dangerously wrong beliefs—from lightning to antibiotics

Image: Lucian Alexe

We all think we know how the world works, but many "common sense" beliefs are flat-out wrong. From everyday health myths to misunderstood science, these misconceptions can mislead you, waste your time, or even put you at risk. Here are 10 things you are dangerously wrong about, backed by real facts.

Image: Michał Mancewicz

Contrary to popular belief, lightning can strike the same place more than once. Since lightning often targets tall, conductive structures, multiple strikes to the same location are not uncommon.

For example, the Empire State Building is hit an average of 23 times per year. The myth persists because rare events seem unique, but statistics show that repeated strikes are common, especially in high-risk areas.

Image: Roberto Sorin

Antibiotics target bacteria, not viruses. Using them for colds or the flu is ineffective and promotes antibiotic resistance.

Prolonged misuse can lead to resistant bacterial strains, making future infections harder to treat. Correct diagnosis is critical for proper treatment.

Image: Gavia

Bulls are actually color-blind to red. Their reactions in bullfighting are triggered by the movement of the cape, not its color.

The bright red (and similarly striking colors) was likely chosen to make the cape more visible to the human audience from a distance, enhancing the spectacle.

Image: Aman Krishna

Cold therapy offers temporary relief but doesn’t accelerate long-term muscle recovery. Overuse can impair adaptation to training.

Inflammation is part of muscle repair; blocking it too aggressively can reduce strength gains over time.

Image: Janosch Lino

Fluid needs vary by body size, activity, and climate. For some, eight glasses is excessive; for others, insufficient.

Relying strictly on this rule can cause dehydration or overhydration. Thirst and urine color are better indicators.

Image: Arturo Rivera

Even a single sunburn increases your lifetime risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Peeling skin doesn’t undo DNA damage; it’s actually skin cells committing suicide to prevent the spread of harmful mutations.

Sunscreen, protective clothing, and shade are essential. Ignoring sun safety poses a serious health risk.

Image: Alexey Demidov

Waking a sleepwalker is safe. They may be disoriented or confused, but letting them roam unattended is far more dangerous.

The only real risk is injury from falls or collisions, not the act of waking them.

Image: Myriam Zilles

Fructose in fruit is healthier than processed sugar, but overconsumption still strains the liver and metabolism.

Even "natural" sugars can contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes if intake is excessive.

Image: Kelly Sikkema

Sanitizers can’t safely remove all pathogens, especially dirt and chemicals. Washing with soap and water is always more effective.

Over-reliance on sanitizers can actually increase infection risk, particularly during gastrointestinal or respiratory outbreaks.

Image: Precious Plastic Melbourne

Mixing vinegar with bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or other cleaners can create chlorine or peracetic acid fumes—both highly toxic.

Even small amounts can irritate eyes, lungs, and skin. Believing vinegar universally "boosts" cleaning power is dangerous; always read labels and avoid mixing chemicals.

Ever been on cloud nine?

Have you ever seen a storm in a teacup? Learn 12 weather-related phrases

Image: NOAA

We always talk about the weather, but, as it happens, we also use weather-related terms to talk about other things as well. From "under the weather" to "snowed under," many common phrases have surprisingly stormy origins. These sayings are part of our everyday lexicon, often without us even realizing their connection to sun, rain, wind, or snow. Which of these 12 do you use the most?

Image: Ravi Sharma

The familiar phrase "under the weather" means feeling a bit sick or unwell. It likely comes from sailors who went below deck during storms when they were seasick.

Being sheltered from harsh weather became linked to feeling ill, and over time, the phrase took on its current meaning in everyday language.

Image: Tofazzal Hossain

You have probably heard this one. "Come rain or shine" means something will happen no matter the weather or situation. It shows strong commitment and determination to follow through, despite obstacles.

The phrase began with its literal meaning (events happening in any weather) but grew to express persistence in all circumstances. It’s often used to promise support or dedication, like, "I’ll be there, come rain or shine."

Image: David Ballew

"Every cloud has a silver lining" means there’s always something good, even in tough times. It’s a reminder to stay hopeful and look for the positive in bad situations.

It is said that the phrase likely comes from John Milton’s 1634 poem Comus, where he described a dark cloud revealing a silver edge. This image became a lasting symbol of optimism during hardship.

Image: Johannes Plenio

Have you ever heard of "a storm in a teacup"? It means making a big deal out of something minor. It describes situations where small problems are blown out of proportion, causing needless drama.

The idea goes back to ancient times: Cicero used a similar phrase about stirring up waves in a ladle. The message is the same: don’t let little things cause major stress.

Image: Noah Silliman

Another classic, to "take a rain check" means turning down an offer for now but showing interest in doing it later. It’s a polite way to postpone plans without saying no entirely.

The phrase comes from 19th-century baseball, where fans got "rain checks" if games were rained out, letting them return later without extra cost.

Image: Joshua Fuller

To "get wind of something" means to hear about something, usually a secret or hidden detail, often through rumors or indirect sources. It suggests finding out information unintentionally.

The phrase comes from the idea of animals catching a scent on the wind, picking up on something not meant to be noticed.

Image: Adam Chang

When someone is "snowed under," it means that he or she is feeling overwhelmed, usually by work or responsibilities. It describes being buried by tasks to the point where it’s hard to keep up.

The phrase dates back to the late 1800s and comes from the image of being covered in heavy snow, stuck, weighed down, and unable to move freely.

Image: Max

"As right as rain" means feeling well or that something is in perfect order. It’s used to say everything is fine or back to normal.

The phrase likely began in 19th-century Britain, with rain seen as natural and refreshing. Though the exact origin is unclear, it suggests comfort and things being just as they should be.

Image: mosi knife

Everybody can recognize one: a "fair-weather friend" is someone who sticks around only when things are going well but disappears during tough times. They enjoy the good moments but aren’t there when support is needed.

The phrase dates back to the early 18th century and compares such people to those who flee when the weather, or life, gets stormy. It highlights the difference between true friends and those who vanish when challenges arise.

Image: Emmanuel Appiah

"Head in the clouds" describes someone who’s daydreaming or not paying attention to reality. It can suggest being unrealistic, distracted, or lost in thought.

The phrase comes from the image of clouds high in the sky, far from the ground, just like someone not grounded in the present. It’s a way to describe being mentally elsewhere or out of touch.

Image: Michał Mancewicz

A phrase usually employed in competitive environments or situations, to "steal someone’s thunder" means to take credit for their idea or divert attention from their achievement, often for personal gain. It’s about overshadowing someone unfairly.

Image: Raychel Sanner

To "weather the storm" means to get through a tough situation with strength and resilience. It suggests enduring hardship without serious harm.

The phrase comes from sailing, where ships had to survive harsh storms at sea. Just like sailors battling wind and waves, it reflects the ability to stay steady through life’s challenges.