TIL in 1951, 600 British soldiers were getting overwhelmed by 30,000 Chinese soldiers. Brig Tom Brodie told his American Superior "Things are a bit sticky, sir." Because of the understatement, the General assumed they were holding up and sent no help. Almost all the soldiers were captured or killed.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2001/apr/14/johnezard
