Meaning
Bark up the wrong tree — To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action; to look for something in the wrong place or blame the wrong person.
Origin & History
The phrase comes from hunting with dogs. A dog chasing a quarry up a tree would sometimes bark at the wrong tree if the animal had moved. The earliest recorded figurative use is from the 1830s in American English.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| If you think I took your wallet, you're barking up the wrong tree. | Wrong accusation |
| The police were barking up the wrong tree when they suspected him. | Investigative error |
| We've been barking up the wrong tree — the problem is in the database, not the code. | Technical diagnosis |
How to Use It
Informal to neutral. Common in conversation and informal argumentation.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
You are barking on the wrong tree.
You are barking up the wrong tree. — Use 'up', not 'on'.
She bark up the wrong tree.
She barks up the wrong tree. — Third-person singular needs the -s ending.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Bark up the wrong tree" mean?
"Bark up the wrong tree" means pursue a wrong or mistaken course of action. To pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action; to look for something in the wrong place or blame the wrong person.
Where does the idiom "Bark up the wrong tree" come from?
The phrase comes from hunting with dogs. A dog chasing a quarry up a tree would sometimes bark at the wrong tree if the animal had moved. The earliest recorded figurative use is from the 1830s in American English.
Can you give an example of "Bark up the wrong tree" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "If you think I took your wallet, you're barking up the wrong tree." — used when wrong accusation.
Is "Bark up the wrong tree" formal or informal?
Informal to neutral. Common in conversation and informal argumentation.
What CEFR level is "Bark up the wrong tree"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level. It is a upper-intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Bark up the wrong tree"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: You are barking up the wrong tree. — Use 'up', not 'on'.
What idioms are similar to "Bark up the wrong tree"?
Similar idioms include: On the wrong track, Miss the point, Follow a false lead. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Bark up the wrong tree"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Bark up the wrong tree" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Informal to neutral. Common in conversation and informal argumentation. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Bark up the wrong tree" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Bark up the wrong tree" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: pursue a wrong or mistaken course of action. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.