Bark up the wrong tree

Meaning

The idiom "bark up the wrong tree" is used when someone pursues a false lead or makes a mistake while searching for something. It means that the person has gone in the wrong direction and is likely to waste time and energy without finding what they are looking for.

Usage

• John barked up the wrong tree by accusing his neighbor of stealing his bike. He later discovered that it was actually one of his own friends who had taken it.
• The police barked up the wrong tree when they arrested the wrong person in the burglary case. It turned out that the suspect was innocent and the real thief was still at large.
• Sarah barked up the wrong tree by investing all her money in a failing stock. She lost everything and had to start over.
• I barked up the wrong tree when I thought my boss was mad at me for missing the deadline. It turned out that he had just been busy and didn't even notice.
• Don't bark up the wrong tree by trying to impress your boss with false accomplishments. He will eventually find out and it will damage your reputation.

Roots and History

The idiom "bark up the wrong tree" dates back to the early 20th century in English literature. It was first used in a poem by Robert Service called "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" in 1906. The phrase was later used in several novels, including Mark Twain's "Tom Sawyer." Over time, the idiom has become a common expression used to describe when someone goes in the wrong direction while searching for something.

Synonyms in English

• Go down the wrong path
• Take a wrong turn
• Pursue a false lead
• Chasing after shadows
• Following a dead end

Synonyms in other languages

| Language | Idiom | Translation | Description | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Spanish | Ir en la misma ruta | Go the same way | This idiom is used to describe when someone is going in the same direction as someone else, without realizing it. | | French | Parler du même côté | Speak on the same side | This idiom is used to describe when two or more people are talking about the same thing, but from different perspectives. | | German | In den falschen Baum hineinlaufen | Go into the wrong tree | This idiom is used to describe when someone goes in the wrong direction while searching for something. | | Italian | Andarsi fuori la strada | Go off the road | This idiom is used to describe when someone straying from the main path or course of action. | | Japanese | 犬の追い | Dog's pursuit | This idiom is used to describe when someone pursues a false lead or makes a mistake while searching for something. |

Similar Idioms

• play cat and mouse

• brain drain

• dog eat dog