The idiom "gave bum steer" means to give someone incorrect or misleading information. The word "bum" in this context refers to something that is worthless or of poor quality. The spelling of "bum" may seem unusual, but it is derived from an older English dialect where it was spelled "bumb". The pronunciation of "bum" is /bʌm/, with the "u" sound in "up" and the "m" pronounced clearly at the end. The word "steer" is pronounced as /stɪər/, with the "ee" sound in "beet" and the "r" sound at the end a lightlyrolled consonant.
"Gave bum steer" is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a situation where someone provides inaccurate, misleading, or faulty information or guidance to another person, typically with the intention to deceive or mislead. This expression is derived from American slang.
The term "gave" refers to the act of providing or offering something to someone, in this case, information or advice. "Bum," in this context, means false, wrong, or unreliable. The term "steer" denotes guidance or direction.
When someone "gives a bum steer," they are intentionally or unintentionally leading someone astray, providing them with incorrect or misleading information that may divert them from making an informed decision or taking appropriate actions. This phrase is commonly used to describe situations where individuals manipulate or deceive others, whether for personal gain, revenge, or amusement.
The consequences of being given a bum steer can range from simply wasting time or effort to more severe outcomes, such as financial loss or emotional distress. It highlights the importance of verifying information and seeking reliable sources before making decisions or acting upon advice received.
Overall, "gave bum steer" describes the act of providing misleading or incorrect guidance or information, leading to potentially adverse consequences for the recipient.