when the wires are crossed

[suprunp]

“Complicated it definitely is. It’s like trying to carry on a phone conversation when the wires are crossed. Absolutely,” Komatsu said, frowning.
(H. Murakami; 1Q84)

Does it mean 'when you are wrongly connected by telephone to someone you don't know'?

Thanks.

[Tdol]

Yes

[emsr2d2]

“Complicated it definitely is. It’s like trying to carry on a phone conversation when the wires are crossed. Absolutely,” Komatsu said, frowning.
(H. Murakami; 1Q84)

Does it mean 'when you are wrongly connected by telephone to someone you don't know'?

Thanks.

Many years ago, we used to get a "crossed line". When you picked up your phone to make a call, sometimes you would discover that you could hear two people having a conversation. You had no idea who either of those people were. Usually, hanging up the phone and then picking it up again a couple of minutes later cleared the problem. I don't think it happens any more with the digital signals.