Barking up the wrong tree
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, often by approaching the wrong person or method.
Origin
From hunting dogs barking at the base of the wrong tree where their quarry wasn't hiding, popularized in 19th-century America.
Variants
- Up the wrong tree
Usage Examples
- If you think I can fix your car, you're barking up the wrong tree.
- She was barking up the wrong tree asking him for fashion advice.
- He barked up the wrong tree trying to get help from the lazy clerk.
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