There’s an old advertisement slogan boasting something along the lines of “It does exactly what it says on the sign.” It’s totally acceptable if it’s a product, but it’s a different story when it comes to people who take things a tad too seriously. Their results are strangely wrong but technically right at the same time.
While it can be malicious compliance, rebellious tendencies, or just plain confusion, it can’t be denied that these people know how to follow instructions. It’s just not in the way we expect them to. These are 73 people who took things literally, where the ends were totally justified by what it says on the sign.
1. Checked
The good news is that there’s a lot of people who flushed and checked. Now, what about those who checked but didn’t flush?
2. Any direction
I’m pretty sure that’s not included in the directions the machine was referring to. Oh well, to each his own.
3. Oh, deer.
Clearly, the deer isn’t impressed at this guy’s sense of humor. It’s actually dangerous for the deer to swallow coins.
4. The skin
Technically, he’s not wrong. It’s a screenshot of the skin and all of its layers.
5. Playing safe
There’s always a way to circumnavigate things. For this person, it’s his method of opening this package.
6. Filling the gap
When someone asks you to fill a gap with silicone, I don’t think it means using the actual containers. Nonetheless, despite how it’s done in this picture, I think the problem was solved.
7. It’s not snow, right?
It’s a pile of dirt and not snow. I guess whoever dumped the pile there is safe.
8. Ripping up the carpet
His mom asked his son to rip up the carpet. I won’t be surprised if the mom rips her son’s hair next. The living room now looks like it’s going to need extra work.
9. A tower of products
The 6’5″ nephew brought in the Costco run. It’s now a leaning tower of products.
10. Incomplete order
Whoever took this order probably missed its first part. The customer asked for an Egg muffin with sausage and cheese.
11. Parking
This unicycle isn’t breaking any rule. There’s still no bicycle in that parking area,right?
12. Messy
Instructions are clear. However, the execution is quite messy.
13. “You are to assume the role of a Chinese immigrant in 1870.”
14. When you’re told to go to bed
You can’t get mad at him. He’s technically on the bed, even if it’s just his leg.
15. Edgy
On the edge or at the edge? It doesn’t really matter as long as the servers are able to see your number.
16. No pizza
Waitresses will only write down what you say. So if you want a pizza, you have to say so. Otherwise, you’ll just end up with a piece of chicken, bacon, and ranch.
17. Just a friendly reminder
18. Blank trophy
I feel bad for this person. He put in the effort to be extra clear with the instruction and the shop still managed to mess it up.
19. Eat what?
Whatever is in those containers probably had an awful taste. If not, why would this person eat paper?
20. By customer request
21. Not so clever
This is one good reason why humor isn’t always good in marriage. You should pick the right times to deliver your jokes.
22. The wrong bins
That’s just one bin. What about the others who need to throw their gums?
23. Not accurate
She should be fined for using her hands. According to the sign, she should be using her head to balance herself.
24. Draw a bath.
That’s a very good drawing. It looks like a really relaxing bath.
25. A long time to cook
These sticks must have taken ages to cook. If this guy were to serve this for dinner, everyone would have fallen asleep hungry.
26. The mystery gang
The school didn’t allow kids to wear Halloween costumes. These kids, however, were able to get to school in costumes without any problem. If you’re thinking how, think about The Mystery Gang.
27. Toss pillow!
It must have been a blast at the store that day. Imagine everyone going to the “Toss Pillow” section and throwing a pillow fight.
28. Choose the right tools.
This tool might prevent the item from getting accidentally punctured. However, I don’t think it’ll keep the item safe from getting smashed.
29. Extra pickles
If you’re thinking of asking extra pickles, this photo will make you think twice. With so many pickles, it doesn’t look like a sandwich anymore.
30. The other side
Opening it from the bottom required more effort, but the man was able to open the dressing anyway. The label should have been more clear about which side it was referring to.
31. Free
Whoever is selling that must be pretty annoyed to find the other item missing. He wouldn’t have any free item to offer potential buyers now.
32. Before you leave
The light switch panel isn’t amused. It’s rolling its eyes.
33. Submitting requirements
When this woman was asked to bring two photos on a CD, this was what she came up with. Pretty clever, I must say.
34. So creative
This man has a good eye. He even got the sun’s exact expression.
35. At the store
I feel sorry for the store clerk for this one. Even if he tries to stop this guy and argue about it, he clearly wouldn’t win.
36. When you’re told not to go out
This is one smart kid. He can’t get scolded for going outside because he’s still technically inside. That’s surely a future lawyer there!
37. Well, that’s what Mom said . . .
38. But why?
Sometimes, the answers you get aren’t enough. You need to keep asking questions.
39. Witty waitress
This dad asked a waitress for a small check. The waitress’ response was no less than impressive. She clearly out-dadjoked him, if that’s even a thing.
40. Too narrow
Based on the sign, that area is supposed to be for pedestrians. They must be really skinny to fit it.
41. Just unicycling
It’s a unicycle. It’s not a bicycle, roller blade or scooter. It’s not even a skate board. No arguments there.
42. Plane and plain
His girlfriend told him to wear a plane tie that night. This is probably when their fight started.
43. Red means stop.
I guess the poor girl thought that the light applies to humans walking on the side as well. Whoever took the picture should have just told her.
44. At 120 degrees
If I were this man’s wife, I wouldn’t even be mad. It takes some serious skills to be able to do that.
45. The start of dad jokes
The wife just told his husband that she’s pregnant and needs to have a toasty shower. This was the husband’s first dad joke.
46. Following authorities
The health inspector in the area said that everything in the coffee shop has to be labeled. The owner had no choice but to comply.
47. The pick-up line
I don’t think you’d get bored waiting in line when you’re at this pharmacy. The pickup lines will surely keep you entertained.
48. Tough trail
The blue sign is probably the most difficult trail there. How can you possibly hike and travel while you’re doing the plank?
49. Tough decision
This is a difficult situation to be in if you really, really need to use the bathroom. Each roll is telling you to use the other one first.
50. “Uh”
There are two things found disturbing about this:
One, why would you need to pause and think about your own name before saying it? Two, why would the barista think “uh” is part of his name?
Unbelievable.
51. The blame game
It can really be a nuisance finding the bathroom locked. These letters are giving away hints on who you should blame.
52. A cheeky sense of humor
You couldn’t really get mad at that person. After all, the sign asked for it.
53. A bit of everything
His brother asked if he can save him a bit of everything for Thanksgiving. He almost did an excellent job, except that he missed the pie and the gravy.
54. Just following orders
His mom asked him to put the toilet paper on the shelf. She never said anything about removing the cat first.
55. Securing the dog
The parents went away for a short vacation and asked their kid if he can secure the dog. With that gun, no one would dare pet that precious dog.
56. The coach bag
Designer bags are so expensive. When the wife asked for one, the husband knew he needed to improvise. The child was quite thrilled with the result.
57. Smoking area
That smoking area is quite small. It’s a good thing that they placed a pole right there.
58. Looking after the plants
His roommate asked him if he could look after her plants. She was specific in asking him if he could to them as well. Being the kind person that he is, this man even read stories to the plants.
59. No stealing the phone
Thanks for the tip! Now, there’s no way thieves can get his phone.
60. Not working
Sometimes, instructions can make products even harder to operate. The manufacturers could have just placed the word “press” on the actual button.
61. When Siri takes note
Sometimes, it’s hard to make Siri understand you. And when she does, it tends to sound like she’s taunting you.
62. Green only
The sign wasn’t referring to the actual color of the vehicle. It’s meant to address environmentally friendly cars.
63. In between
By parking in between the signs, he was able to avoid paying for parking and getting his motorcycle towed. He must be an expert in avoiding the law.
64. Christmas gift
This man came with a not-so-impressive solution to get his wife what she wanted for Christmas. She asked for “laser hair removal” and this was what he gave her.
65. When your grandma insists on having a wall-mounted stag head at home
Killing defenseless animals is bad. Kudos to the mom for coming up with this.
66. The proper way to wash hands
Hand washing is considered as one of the best ways to prevent the spread of diseases. The process involves touching the soap to create suds.
67. Quite literally
This joke seems funny, but wait until the man loses that prosthetic eye. He’ll probably regret taking it off in the first place- just like how bikers shouldn’t take off their eyes on the road.
68. Going easy
The man asked the restaurant if they could go easy on the mustard and they complied. You got to love how they think.
69. Minding your own business
The last time this person and her neighbor talked, she was asked to mind her own business. That’s exactly what she did when she saw her neighbor’s car door opened during a sleet storm.
70. A path
The girlfriend asked the man to shovel a path to their home and he did more work than he needs to. He also increased the time they need to reach the front door.
71. His spot
You can’t really argue with this one. However, there’s just one question: Was he just able to suddenly walk?
72. With a “C”
It’s really common for baristas to get your name wrong. This, however, is outright absurd.
73. Quite literal
Although it’s not exactly what this woman was asking for, it’s safe to say that what her husband did worked. For a blissful marriage, giving what your partner wants may help- literally or not.
Be careful when you ask someone to do exactly what you tell them to if you don’t want to be surprised by how things end up. Just like how the old saying goes, “Don’t hate the player. Hate the one who wrote the rules.” or something like that.
Share this with your friends and see who among them took things literally.
