Crossed meanings

Be careful! These 12 words with double meaning might get you in trouble

English is full of surprises, especially the kind that makes you read twice. You’ve probably said or read a word one way your whole life, only to find out it’s got a sneaky second meaning (or even a totally different pronunciation). These words, called homographs, look the same on paper but have two or more meanings. Some even change how they are pronounced depending on what they’re doing in a sentence. Here are 12 classic examples that are sure to amuse, confuse, and maybe even make you question everything you thought you knew.

Here’s one that trips people up in both speech and spelling. "Lead" (rhyming with "reed") means to guide someone or something, like when you lead a group on a walk. But spelled the same, "lead" (rhyming with "red") is a heavy metal once used in pipes and paint.

Same letters, completely different use. One makes you feel like a confident icon, the other is banned from gas and drinking water.

Have you ever cried watching an old movie and then torn up a tissue in frustration? Then, you touched on both of these homographs.

"Tear" (like "tare") means to rip something apart, which is pretty straightforward. But "tear" (like "teer") is also what falls from your eyes when emotions run high. The two meanings couldn’t be more different; one is physical destruction, the other is an emotional outpouring.

Picture this: you’re fishing and catch a bass, then head home and crank up the bass on your stereo. Same word, wildly different scenes.

One refers to a popular fish, often fried and served with hushpuppies. The other is all about that low-end thump in music that rattles your windows. Oddly enough, they’re pronounced completely differently: "base" for the sound, "bass" (like "class") for the fish.

English really takes a turn with "wind." When you feel the wind blowing through your hair, it’s that breezy force of nature. But when you wind your old alarm clock or a jack-in-the-box, you’re giving it a spin.

In this case, the pronunciation changes, and so does the meaning, but only one gets leaves stuck in your teeth.

Few words are as fashionably confusing as "bow." Take a bow on stage after a performance, or tie a bow on a birthday present. In one case, you’re bending forward graciously; in the other, you’re accessorizing.

It’s worth noting there's a third "bow," as in the curved weapon that shoots arrows, just to keep you on your toes.

In America, "row" often brings up images of gently paddling down a stream, singing songs, and enjoying nature. In Britain, however, a "row" (rhymes with "cow") is a noisy argument, like the kind couples have in rom-coms. Add to that the line of chairs in a movie theater or a "row" of houses, and now you’ve got three meanings from one tidy little word. How’s that for polysemy?

Talk about small surprises: "minute" (as in time) is what you watch tick away. But "minute" (rhyming with "my newt") means something tiny, like a minute crack in your favorite mug.

You’d never guess they’re related, but both come from Latin roots about measurement.

You wouldn't want to desert your friend in the desert, but English seems fine with doing just that. "Desert" (DEH-zurt) is a dry, sandy place full of cacti and tumbleweeds. But "desert" (dih-ZURT) means to abandon someone.

It’s a real twist when the same word covers both literal emptiness and emotional betrayal. It also explains why spellcheck can’t always save you.

You might refuse to take out the refuse, and honestly, who can blame you? "Refuse" (reh-FYOOZ) means to decline something, like offers of leftovers or unsolicited advice. "Refuse" (REH-fyoos) is the garbage you’re probably avoiding.

It’s the kind of word pair that hides in plain sight; in any case, both might lead to stinky situations.

There’s something magical about a word that can give a gift and deliver a speech. "Present" as a noun is something you give wrapped with a bow and possibly a gift receipt. "Present" as a verb, and with the accent on the last syllable, means to introduce or showcase something, like an award or a slideshow.

The meanings actually share a root: both involve offering something. But one gets applause, the other gets unwrapped.

A grocery-store homograph; when you produce something, you’re creating that thing. But when you shop for produce (accent on the first syllable), you’re looking for fresh fruits and veggies.

Both meanings involve growth, but one is from a creative mind, the other from soil and sunshine.

Be careful with this one: you can sign a CON-tract… or con-TRACT the flu. The first one, a noun, is a legal document you agree to. The second one, a verb, means to shrink or to catch something unpleasant, like having a virus or a muscle cramp. Again, pronunciation changes, but spelling is the same. So whether you’re dealing with paperwork or pathogens, just know this word has range. And maybe wash your hands either way.

What science says

It was false after all: 10 health myths that sound true—but aren't

Image: Alicja Gancarz

Health myths are everywhere! These ideas were simply passed down for so long that they became part of what we believed. But now science has stepped in to clear things up. Does cold weather make you sick? Can lemon detox your body? Is reading in low light really harmful? Let's uncover the truth behind 10 common health myths!

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Have you ever been told that cutting your hair will make it grow faster? We're sorry to say that's just a myth. Hair grows from the root, not the ends. So, trimming it won't boost growth, though it does help remove split ends that can make your hair look dry or unhealthy.

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This is one of the most common health myths. Cold weather often gets blamed, but it's not the temperature that makes you catch a cold. During winter, we tend to stay indoors with others and keep the windows closed, an environment that makes it easier for viruses to spread. That's why colds tend to be more common in winter!

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The idea that eating before bed automatically leads to weight gain is a myth. In reality, it has more to do with what you eat and how much, rather than the time of day. Often, when we eat very late at night, we're tired and more likely to reach for quick, high-calorie, heavy foods. This can disrupt sleep and lead to consuming more calories than we burn, both of which may affect weight. If it's close to bedtime, it's better to have something light and healthy in a moderate portion than to skip a meal altogether.

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Does wearing glasses weaken your vision? Myth! If an eye doctor prescribes glasses, wearing them as directed helps correct your vision; it won't make it worse. Additionally, the right glasses can help prevent or reduce headaches caused by reading or spending long hours in front of a screen.

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This myth is closely related to the previous one. If you love reading and sometimes have to do it in low light because of the situation, don't worry. According to experts, reading in low light doesn't cause permanent or irreversible eye damage. However, it's not recommended because it can make your eyes feel tired or strained, leading to discomfort or headaches.

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We're all different, and so are our bodies. The idea that everyone should drink exactly eight glasses of water a day is more of a general guideline than a rule. Staying well hydrated throughout the day is extremely important, but how much water you need depends on factors like your weight, age, climate, and overall health. We should prioritize staying consistently hydrated instead of obsessing over the number of glasses we drink.

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Some people say drinking lemon water helps eliminate toxins and cleanse the body. While adding a slice of lemon to your water is a refreshing way to stay hydrated, it doesn't have any special "detoxifying" powers. The vitamin C in citrus fruits is beneficial, but the body has its own natural detox system. The liver and kidneys are the main organs that filter waste and eliminate toxins.

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Not all fats are bad! Just like other food groups, your body needs fats to function properly. The important thing is knowing the difference between healthy fats and those that can be harmful. Foods like avocados, seeds, olive oil, fish, and nuts are rich in healthy fats. On the other hand, the fats found in processed or fried foods are the ones that can have a negative impact on your body.

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Liver diseases can be serious. While heavy and frequent consumption of alcohol and fats is a major contributor, it's not the only cause. Liver problems can also result from many other factors. These include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic disorders, high blood pressure, and exposure to certain chemicals.

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There's some truth to it: breakfast is important because it replenishes our glucose and energy levels and supports proper metabolism. However, the idea that it's the most important meal of the day might be an exaggeration. Everyone's body has different needs, and all meals are important, so we shouldn't skip any of them!