misinterpret original meaning; distorted interpretation
To give a distorted interpretation of a text or statement; to misinterpret the original meaning by reading in ideas that are not there. Originally refers to a story from 韩非子hánfēizǐ where a letter from the city of 郢yǐng inadvertently included the words "hold up the candle", which the minister of 燕yān mistakenly interpreted as advice to "promote the wise".
