"send the wrong message"

[Joel S. Berson]

At 10/14/2011 09:07 PM, Victor Steinbok wrote:
>OK, let me simplify it further--"receiving mixed signals" means being
>unsure of intent, irrespectively of whether any actual indications,
>tokens, facts, qualities, signs or symbols have been actually
>transmitted. "Sending mixed signals" means that someone is "receiving
>mixed signals" in that same sense. No signals--strictly a metaphor!

If the recipient is unsure of *intent*, some information must have
been received.  That is the "signals".  Is that simplified enough for you?

Joel

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