take (something) out of context

take (something) out of context

To misrepresent the meaning of an utterance, an action, or a report thereof by omitting or altering the original context in which it was spoken or done. You have to be very careful what you say when you're a politician, because the media are all too happy to take anything you say out of context. The way you're describing what she did sounds terrible, but you're taking things completely out of context.
See also: context, of, out, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • turn (something) on its head
  • turn something on its head
  • twist (one's) words
  • twist words
  • stand (something) on its head
  • stand on its head
  • stand something on its head
  • stand/turn something on its head
  • no one ever went broke underestimating the taste of...
  • the spirit of the law