Etymology Journal · B
Barking up the wrong tree
Meaning
- You are pursuing a mistaken line of thought or accusing the wrong person. You have put your energy into the wrong place and will not get the results you want.
Correctional, direct
Used in a sentence
- If you think I broke the vase, you are barking up the wrong tree.
- He is barking up the wrong tree by asking the manager for a discount.
- I think you are barking up the wrong tree regarding the source of the leak.
The backstory
This comes from hunting with dogs. A dog might corner an animal up a tree, but if the animal escaped, the dog would continue barking at the wrong tree long after the prey was gone.
Heard in
Nationwide
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