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Region: US | Usage example: You are barking up the wrong tree with that question.

Barking up a tree

Meaning

Pursuing a mistaken line of thought.

Usage

Used to correct someone wrong.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Hunting dogs barking at the base of a wrong tree.

Used in American hunting literature of the 1800s.

Related Idioms

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.

Barking up the right tree

Pursuing the correct idea or person.

Bark up the wrong tree

Make a wrong assumption or pursue a mistaken course.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.