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 hán​fēi​zǐ 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".