To show initiative in undertaking important or requisite tasks in the face of difficulties and/or without requiring specific instructions on how to do so. It refers to the essay "Message to Garcia," published in 1899 by Elbert Hubbard, in which a lieutenant named Andrew Rowan undertakes establishing communication with Cuban rebel leader Calixto García to create an alliance in case of war with Spain. One should always aspire to be the type of employee who will carry the message to Garcia, for it says more about you than merely doing what you're told.

To show initiative in undertaking important or requisite tasks in the face of difficulties and/or without requiring specific instructions on how to do so. It refers to the essay "Message to Garcia," published in 1899 by Elbert Hubbard, in which a lieutenant named Andrew Rowan undertakes establishing communication with Cuban rebel leader Calixto García to create an alliance in case of war with Spain. One should always aspire to be the type of employee who will deliver the message to Garcia, for it says more about you than merely doing what you're told.

To show initiative in undertaking important or requisite tasks in the face of difficulties and/or without requiring specific instructions on how to do so. It refers to the essay "Message to Garcia," published in 1899 by Elbert Hubbard, in which a lieutenant named Andrew Rowan undertakes establishing communication with Cuban rebel leader Calixto García to create an alliance in case of war with Spain. One should always aspire to be the type of employee who will take a message to Garcia, for it says more about you than merely doing what you're told.

A signal, message, or communication that has, or is interpreted as having, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. (Often plural.) I keep getting these mixed messages from my ex-girlfriend. I can't tell if she just wants to be friends, or if she's interested in getting back together. I just think it sends something of a mixed message to be advertising a new production assistant position right after we went through a round of layoffs.

To receive a signal, message, or communication that has, or seems to have, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. I keep getting these mixed messages from my ex-girlfriend. I can't tell if she just wants to be friends, or if she's interested in getting back together. I've just been getting a mixed message from my boss lately about what he thinks of my performance so far.

To communicate something that has, or seems to have, multiple, ambiguous, or contradictory meanings. My ex-girlfriend has accused me of sending mixed messages about our relationship, as if I'm hinting that I want to get back together with her. I just think it sends something of a mixed message to be advertising a new production assistant position right after we went through a round of layoffs.

A form of private communication on social media sites or Internet forums. It is most commonly used as a verb. Direct message me if you have any questions. If you don't want everyone to see it, send a direct message instead of posting it.

A way to communicate only with a select person or people on social media sites or Internet forums. It is most commonly used as a verb. Private message me if you have any questions. If you don't want everyone to see it, send a private message instead of posting it.

A question asked when the person one wishes to speak to is currently unavailable. Well, if he's in a meeting, can I just leave a message?

An offer to transcribe someone's message to someone else who is currently unavailable. A: "Can I speak to Josh?" B: "He's not available right now—can I take a message?"

To emphasize or make a clear statement of one's position. We need to send a message to these hostile nations that we will not compromise our values for fear of reprisal. The latest memo clearly sends a message to certain people in the company that their days are numbered. The quilts are intended to send a message of hope to the survivors of this tragedy.

To understand the real meaning of what someone is trying to communicate. OK, I get the message. I'll start looking for somewhere else to stay. I just stopped texting her back, and she eventually got the message.

To do or say something that communicates a meaning different or contrary to what one desires, either implicitly or explicitly. The government's decision, while innocuous at face value, sends the wrong message that business that don't have a religious affiliation will be treated more preferentially than those that do. I know you're trying to foster better workplace relations between employees, but I think forcing people to sit in assigned spots during lunch might send the wrong message.

To do or say something that communicates a particular desired meaning, either implicitly or explicitly. We're hoping that this legislation will send the right message to young people around the country. I know you're trying to foster better workplace relations between employees, but I don't think forcing people to sit in assigned spots during lunch will send the right message.

Deviating from or being untrue to the official or agreed upon view, plan, or ideology. We just feel like having a spokesperson with such strong religious convictions is a little off message for our organization. The candidate usually maintains an unflappable demeanor during these interviews, rarely stepping outside of a set of carefully crafted responses, so it was odd to see him going so drastically off message.

Remaining true to the official or agreed upon view, plan, or ideology. We just feel like our spokesperson has to be on message with our organization's strong religious beliefs. The candidate usually stays on message during these interviews, rarely stepping outside of a set of carefully crafted responses, so it was odd to see him go off on such a random, ranting tangent.

The mode through which a message is transmitted influences how the message is received. The phrase was coined by 20th-century philosopher Marshall McLuhan. In studying this painting, we can't ignore the style that the artist chose. The medium is the message.