You're barking up the wrong tree

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Meaning

Mistaking your approach or target, chasing the wrong lead.

Origin

From 19th-century America, tied to coon hunting; dogs barked up trees, wrong ones wasted time, slang by 1832 in Crockett's tales. A 1839 'Spirit of the Times' uses it for a flop.

Variants

  • Wrong tree
  • Up wrong tree

Usage Examples

  • Need tech help? You're barking up the wrong tree with me.
  • She's barking up the wrong tree asking him for cash.
  • You're barking up the wrong tree; try the other guy.

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