Down the Garden Path
"Down the Garden Path" is a phrase that refers to a situation where someone is led to believe something that is misleading or false. It often describes a scenario where expectations are set up, only to be disappointed by an unexpected outcome. This expression is commonly used in literature and everyday conversation to illustrate confusion or misdirection.
In linguistics, "garden path sentences" are examples of sentences that initially lead readers or listeners to interpret them in one way, only to require reanalysis for correct understanding. These sentences highlight the complexities of language processing and how context can influence comprehension, making them a fascinating topic in the study of syntax and semantics.