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barking up the wrong tree

pursuing a mistaken line of thought

In Idioms & Sayings

In more detail

(idiom) trying to get something in the wrong way; blaming or suspecting the wrong person or pursuing the wrong course of action

Examples

• You're barking up the wrong tree if you think I stole your wallet—ask the person who was standing next to you.

Nearby in Idioms & Sayings

cry over spilled milk, the last straw, a dime a dozen, bend over backwards, call it a day, cut to the chase