contradictorymessage
nounUK /ˌkɒntrəˈdɪktəri ˈmɛsɪdʒ/
US /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪktəri ˈmɛsɪdʒ/
A contradictory message is when someone says two things that do not agree with each other.
The sign gave a contradictory message by saying 'Keep off the grass' while pointing to a path across it.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A statement that says one thing but implies the opposite.
His contradictory message said he was happy, but his sad face told another story.
3. Instructions that cancel each other out, making it impossible to follow both.
The contradictory message told us to hurry up and slow down at the same time.
4. A signal that sends two opposite meanings at once.
The traffic light showed a contradictory message with red and green on together.