Idiom of the Day. "Barking up the wrong tree"

Barking up the wrong tree

Synonyms: misguided, on the wrong track, off target, chasing a wild goose, making a mistake, etc.

Idioms are a fascinating aspect of the English language, often carrying meanings that aren’t immediately clear from the words themselves. Today’s idiom, “barking up the wrong tree,” is a perfect example of this. It’s a phrase that paints a vivid picture, but its true meaning goes beyond its literal interpretation.

“Barking up the wrong tree” means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, often by making a wrong assumption or focusing on the wrong thing. It’s like trying to solve a problem by addressing the wrong cause.

Examples in Sentences

1. She thought her colleague was the one spreading rumors about her, but she was barking up the wrong tree; it turned out to be someone else.
2. If you think you can fix the issue by just rebooting the computer, you might be barking up the wrong tree; the problem is with the software.
3. The detective was sure that the neighbor was the culprit, but he was barking up the wrong tree the entire time.
4. My boss believes I caused the delay, but he's barking up the wrong tree — I wasn't even involved in that project.
5. They thought increasing the budget would solve the company’s problems, but they were barking up the wrong tree; the real issue was poor management.

Understanding idioms like “barking up the wrong tree” can help you sound more natural and nuanced in English conversations. So next time you find yourself or someone else making a wrong assumption, you’ll know exactly how to describe it!

August, 2024

Posted by Oxford Language Club

Want to learn english?

About Us

All Language Resources