Bark up the wrong tree

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Meaning

To chase the wrong lead or mark, off base.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to coon hunting; dogs barked up wrong trees, slang by 1830s in a Crockett tale for miss. A 1840s 'Southern Literary Messenger' uses it for a flop.

Variants

  • Wrong tree

Usage Examples

  • You're barking up the wrong tree; I can't help.
  • Bark up the wrong tree; he's not here.
  • Wrong tree; try someone else.

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