Be barking up the wrong tree
verb phrase
To make a wrong assumption about something or someone, to go in wrong direction in one's search, thinking or efforts.
He thinks it was me who said those things, but he's barking up the wrong tree - I wasn't even there.
Often appears as...
- you're barking up the wrong tree
- don't bark up the wrong tree
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To make a wrong assumption about something or someone, to go in wrong direction in one's search, thinking or efforts.
He thinks it was me who said those things, but he's barking up the wrong tree - I wasn't even there.
Often appears as...
- you're barking up the wrong tree
- don't bark up the wrong tree
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase implies a mistake in approach or strategy, not just location or direction.
Insisting on lower prices from that vendor is barking up the wrong tree; they value service over costs.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's common in casual speech but may be too informal for serious or formal writing.
You're barking up the wrong tree if you think I'm the one gossiping.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formal
Don't use it in formal settings like business reports or academic papers.
In the meeting, she suggested, 'Let's not bark up the wrong tree,' to her colleague's informal chagrin.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase implies a mistake in approach or strategy, not just location or direction.
Insisting on lower prices from that vendor is barking up the wrong tree; they value service over costs.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's common in casual speech but may be too informal for serious or formal writing.
You're barking up the wrong tree if you think I'm the one gossiping.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formal
Don't use it in formal settings like business reports or academic papers.
In the meeting, she suggested, 'Let's not bark up the wrong tree,' to her colleague's informal chagrin.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase implies a mistake in approach or strategy, not just location or direction.
Insisting on lower prices from that vendor is barking up the wrong tree; they value service over costs.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Usage
It's common in casual speech but may be too informal for serious or formal writing.
You're barking up the wrong tree if you think I'm the one gossiping.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid in Formal
Don't use it in formal settings like business reports or academic papers.
In the meeting, she suggested, 'Let's not bark up the wrong tree,' to her colleague's informal chagrin.
Never forget "Be barking up the wrong tree"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension