What is a potential outcome of using idioms when communicating with diverse groups?

Using idioms in communication with diverse groups carries the potential to create cultural misunderstandings because idioms are often rooted in the specific cultural and linguistic contexts from which they originate. They may not translate directly or logically into other languages or cultures, leading to confusion or misinterpretation.

For example, an idiom like "it's raining cats and dogs" may not make sense to someone from a culture where animals are not commonly associated with weather expressions. Without the shared cultural background, the listener may interpret the phrase literally or be puzzled by its meaning, which could hinder effective communication. This underscores the importance of utilizing clear, universally understood language, particularly in diverse settings, to facilitate mutual understanding and prevent miscommunication.