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bark up the wrong tree
/bɑːrk ʌp ðə rɒŋ triː/◆idiom
to make a mistaken assumption
You're barking up the wrong tree if you think I stole your wallet.
You're making a mistake by accusing me of stealing your wallet.
informal
To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, often by accusing the wrong person or pursuing an incorrect approach.
The detective was barking up the wrong tree by focusing on the neighbor as the prime suspect.
The detective was mistakenly accusing the neighbor of the crime.
If you think this policy will solve the problem, you're barking up the wrong tree.
This policy will not address the issue you're trying to fix.
This idiom is often used to correct someone who is blaming the wrong person or pursuing an ineffective solution.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
Use this idiom when someone is mistakenly blaming or accusing the wrong person or pursuing an ineffective solution.
Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Ensure the idiom is used in contexts where someone is clearly mistaken or misguided.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from hunting, where dogs would bark up a tree to flush out prey. If the prey wasn't there, the dogs were barking up the wrong tree.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to point out someone's incorrect assumptions or actions.
English Dictionary