pursue a mistaken course

/pɜːrˈsjuː ə mɪˈsteɪkən kɔːrs/
phrase★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
To follow a wrong or incorrect path or strategy, often leading to negative consequences.
Literal Meaning
To follow a path that is mistaken or incorrect.
Literal Breakdown
pursueto follow or engage in+mistakenincorrect or wrong+coursea path or direction
◇ Mental Image
The phrase evokes the image of someone following a path that is clearly wrong or incorrect, often leading to a dead end or negative outcome.
◈ When to Use
A business analyst might use this phrase in a report to describe a company's flawed strategy that led to financial losses.
◉ Cultural Note
This phrase is commonly used in English-speaking cultures to describe flawed decisions or strategies in various contexts, such as business, politics, or personal development.
formal

To follow a wrong or incorrect path or strategy, often leading to negative consequences.

The company pursued a mistaken course by ignoring market trends.

The company followed a wrong strategy by ignoring market trends.

His stubbornness led him to pursue a mistaken course in his personal life.

His stubbornness caused him to follow a wrong path in his personal life.

💡

This phrase is often used in formal or analytical contexts to describe a flawed decision or strategy.

Collocations

pursue a mistaken course of actionto follow a wrong or incorrect planpursue a mistaken course of treatmentto follow an incorrect medical approach

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

go down the wrong pathphrase
to make a mistake or follow a bad course of action
take a wrong turnphrase
to make a mistake or choose an incorrect direction

💡Pro Tip

Formal Usage

This phrase is best used in formal or analytical contexts, such as business reports, academic writing, or serious discussions.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

Use this phrase sparingly to maintain its impact. Overuse can dilute its effectiveness.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'pursue' (to follow or engage in) with 'mistaken course' (a wrong or incorrect path), emphasizing the idea of following an incorrect direction.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in formal or analytical contexts, such as business, politics, or personal development, to describe a flawed decision or strategy.

Word Breakdown

pursue
to follow or engage in
verb
+
mistaken
incorrect or wrong
adjective
+
course
a path or direction
noun
English Dictionary