Clanger (Noun)
Meaning
A conspicuous mistake whose effects seem to reverberate; "he dropped a clanger".
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- During a critical moment in the presidential debate, the candidate dropped a clanger, asserting an incorrect statistic that would be repeatedly fact-checked by opponents and media.
- The popular morning radio host dropped a clanger when he inadvertently announced the name of his next station during a live broadcast, prompting awkward pauses and frantic backpedaling.
- Her celebrity interview appearance ended in disaster after she dropped a clanger by asking the visibly irate actor about a highly publicized scandal he was resolutely unwilling to discuss.
- His debut in front of the investors was marked by a clanger when he accidentally referred to his own product as that of a major competitor, instantly fostering widespread skepticism.
- On what would have otherwise been an impressive job interview, her bright-young-thing candidate dropped a clanger when, enthusiastically trying to expound upon his skills, he unwittingly admitted to having falsified his qualifications.