also on the topic of misused phrases, I don't know how many times I have seen this one misquoted:

"Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,
To soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak."

from The Mourning Bride. Act i. Sc. 1.
by William Congreve, 1670-1729

There have been a lot of "savage beasts" rendered into submission by this one.