Idiom – Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Barking Up The Wrong Tree – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

To be looking for answers in the wrong place.

Origin:

The expression originated in 19th century America when people used dogs to hunt raccoons. When the raccoon climbed up a tree, the dog waited below until its master arrived. However, there was always the chance of the dog identifying the wrong tree.

Examples:

• Hey officer, I’m telling you, you’re barking up the wrong tree. I didn’t kill that guy.
• Man I didn’t tell anyone about you having an affair, you’re barking up the wrong tree!
• Guys have we been barking up the wrong tree on how to cut our emissions?
• Dude, don’t do this, you’ll be barking up the wrong tree.
• We’re barking up the wrong tree as long as we prioritize defence spending over investing in education.
• You’re barking up the wrong tree if you enter public service to make money.
• You’re barking up the wrong tree if you expect me to lend you money.
• The prosecutor is barking up the wrong tree with his fixation on the glove found at the crime scene.
• I think we’re barking up the wrong tree when we blame the high divorce rate on increased incomes.