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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.

How to use barking up the wrong tree

This idiom is used to tell someone that their efforts, suspicions, or approach are misdirected or futile. It typically appears in informal conversation or casual writing to critique a misguided strategy or accusation. The phrase is often introduced with 'you're' or 'he's' and can soften criticism with a hint of humor, suggesting the person is wasting effort rather than acting maliciously.

Register: informal

Common phrases

• completely barking up the wrong tree
• you're barking up the wrong tree
• barking up the wrong tree if you think
• if you believe that, you're barking up the wrong tree

Synonyms

looking in the wrong place · on the wrong track · chasing your tail · pursuing a dead end · backing the wrong horse

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use this only for wrong accusations when it also applies broadly to any wrong approach, strategy, or direction of effort.

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

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained