Example: If you blame me, you're barking up the wrong tree.
Definition
"To bark up the wrong tree" means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, especially by accusing or blaming the wrong person. It suggests that someone is directing their efforts or attention at an incorrect target or cause.
The phrase "to bark up the wrong tree" comes from hunting dogs in early America, which would sometimes mistakenly bark at the base of a tree without realizing their prey had escaped to a different tree. This expression humorously captures the idea of making an error in judgment or targeting the wrong source.
Learn to use this expression actively
"To bark up the wrong tree" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (C2) - set 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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