Google’s AI Overview feature has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons after it began generating its own idioms, complete with detailed explanations. These ‘hallucinations’ – a term used for AI mistakes – have ranged from amusing to perplexing.
The issue came to light when people started searching for the meanings of these made-up expressions, with Google’s AI dutifully providing interpretations. Some examples include:
Examples of Google’s Made-Up Idioms
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“Two buses going in the wrong direction is better than one going the right way” Google explains this as a metaphor for having a supportive environment, even if goals aren’t aligned.
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“Never put a tiger in a Michelin star kitchen” This idiom is likened to “if you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen,” but with a more dangerous twist.
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“Wine poured from the sky won’t make you fly” Google interprets this as a warning that something desirable won’t necessarily deliver the expected results.
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“Don’t milk the ghost cow” This is compared to the real idiom “beating a dead horse,” advising against wasting effort on something unproductive.
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“Always pack extra batteries for your milkshake” Google provides a convoluted explanation involving a play on words from the film “There Will Be Blood.”
While these examples are amusing, they also highlight the potential pitfalls of AI-generated content and the importance of fact-checking AI outputs.
