Barking up the wrong tree
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What does βBarking up the wrong treeβ mean?
Barking up the wrong tree means to be pursuing a mistaken idea, person or course of action.
The idiom targets the direction of someone's effort, not their competence: the work may be fine, but it is pointed at the wrong thing.
It is direct and can sound blunt, so it is best kept to informal exchanges.
When do people say it?
Used to tell someone their assumption or approach is aimed at the wrong target.
βIf you think I authorised the refund, you're barking up the wrong tree.β
Is it formal or informal?
Register: informal. It is most at home in everyday conversation rather than formal writing. Most common in UK and US.
Where does it come from?
Early nineteenth century American, from hunting dogs baying at a tree the quarry has left.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say βBarking up the wrong treeβ in other languages?
Related idioms
- Hit the nail on the head, To be exactly right.
- A wild goose chase, A pointless, fruitless search.
Last reviewed 2026-09-11