barking up the wrong tree
Looking for something in the wrong place
Littéralement: Shouting/barking at a tree where the animal is no longer present.
Use this phrase to tell someone they are looking for answers in the wrong place.
En 15 secondes
- Used when someone makes a false assumption or wrong accusation.
- Originates from hunting dogs losing track of their prey.
- Perfect for correcting someone in a friendly or firm way.
Signification
It means you are following a wrong line of thought or accusing the wrong person. You are wasting your energy because the answer or the culprit is somewhere else entirely.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6A friend thinks you stole their pen
If you think I took your pen, you're barking up the wrong tree; I haven't even been in your room.
If you think I took your pen, you're looking at the wrong person.
A colleague asks you for tech support
You're barking up the wrong tree asking me about the server; you should call IT.
You're asking the wrong person about the server.
Texting a friend about a crush
She thinks he likes her, but she's barking up the wrong tree—he's dating someone else!
She's mistaken about his feelings.
Contexte culturel
The phrase originated in the United States during the 19th century, specifically related to raccoon hunting with dogs. It became popularized in print around the 1830s, appearing in works by authors like James Kirke Paulding. It reflects the frontier spirit and the importance of hunting culture in early American life.
The 'Redirect' Trick
Use this phrase as a polite 'buffer' when you can't help someone. It makes the 'no' feel less personal.
Don't get too literal
Never use this when talking to someone about their actual dog. It will be very confusing!
En 15 secondes
- Used when someone makes a false assumption or wrong accusation.
- Originates from hunting dogs losing track of their prey.
- Perfect for correcting someone in a friendly or firm way.
What It Means
Imagine a hunting dog chasing a squirrel. The squirrel jumps to another tree. The dog stays at the first tree, barking loudly. The dog is confident, but it is wrong. That is exactly what this phrase means. You are working hard, but your focus is in the wrong place. You might be blaming the wrong person. You might be trying to solve a problem with the wrong tool.
How To Use It
You use this when someone makes a false assumption. It often starts with "If you think..." or "You're...". It is a great way to redirect someone. It sounds more colorful than just saying "You are wrong." You can use it about yourself too. "I thought the keys were in the car, but I was barking up the wrong tree."
When To Use It
Use it when a friend thinks you ate their sandwich (but you didn't). Use it in a meeting when a colleague blames the wrong department. It works well when someone asks you for a favor you cannot grant. For example, asking a vegetarian for a steak recommendation. They are definitely barking up the wrong tree there!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in very tragic situations. If someone is grieving, do not use idioms. Avoid using it with a very strict boss. It can sound a bit dismissive or informal. If the mistake is tiny, like a spelling error, this phrase is too "big." Save it for bigger misunderstandings or false accusations.
Cultural Background
This phrase comes from American hunting history in the early 1800s. Hunters used dogs to find raccoons. Raccoons are clever and can leap between trees. The dogs would get confused and bark at an empty tree. By the 1830s, it became a popular saying in newspapers. It captures the image of being loud, confident, and completely mistaken.
Common Variations
Most people use the full phrase barking up the wrong tree. Sometimes people shorten it to just wrong tree. You might hear, "I think we're at the wrong tree here." However, the full idiom is the most common version. You can change the tense to barked or will be barking. Just keep the dog and the tree in the image!
Notes d'usage
The phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in both casual and professional settings. Just ensure you don't use it to dismiss someone's valid concerns, as it can sound a bit patronizing if used incorrectly.
The 'Redirect' Trick
Use this phrase as a polite 'buffer' when you can't help someone. It makes the 'no' feel less personal.
Don't get too literal
Never use this when talking to someone about their actual dog. It will be very confusing!
The Raccoon Connection
In the US South, 'cooning' (raccoon hunting) is still a hobby, and this phrase feels very grounded in that rural history.
Exemples
6If you think I took your pen, you're barking up the wrong tree; I haven't even been in your room.
If you think I took your pen, you're looking at the wrong person.
Used to defend oneself against a minor false accusation.
You're barking up the wrong tree asking me about the server; you should call IT.
You're asking the wrong person about the server.
Redirecting a request to the correct department.
She thinks he likes her, but she's barking up the wrong tree—he's dating someone else!
She's mistaken about his feelings.
Discussing a social misunderstanding via text.
Trying to get a discount from the waiter? You're barking up the wrong tree, he's just the trainee!
You're asking the wrong person for a discount.
Lighthearted teasing about a futile effort.
The police spent months following that lead, only to realize they were barking up the wrong tree.
The police realized they were following the wrong lead.
Describing a significant waste of time and resources.
I'm sorry, you're barking up the wrong tree; I'm a tourist here myself!
I'm the wrong person to ask for directions.
A polite way to say you cannot help because you lack the knowledge.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
If you're looking for the manager, you're ___; she's on vacation this week.
The phrase fits because the person is looking for someone (the manager) who isn't there.
Identify the best context for this phrase.
Which situation best fits 'barking up the wrong tree'?
This involves a false accusation/assumption, which is the core meaning of the idiom.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Barking up the wrong tree'
Used with friends and family during disagreements.
Stop blaming me, you're barking up the wrong tree!
Common in workplace settings to redirect tasks.
I think we're barking up the wrong tree with this marketing strategy.
Rarely used in academic or legal writing.
The prosecution appears to be barking up the wrong tree.
When to use the phrase
False Accusation
I didn't break the vase!
Wrong Contact
I don't handle the billing.
Flawed Logic
That's not why the car won't start.
Futile Effort
Asking a cat to fetch.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends on your tone. It can be a friendly correction or a sharp defense if you feel unfairly accused.
Yes, it is acceptable in neutral business communication. For example, I believe we might be barking up the wrong tree with this vendor.
No, you can use it for ideas or strategies. You could say a scientific theory is barking up the wrong tree.
People sometimes say barking at the wrong tree. Remember to use up to keep the idiom correct.
The phrase is used globally in English-speaking countries, including the UK, though it has American roots.
Yes, if you are looking for a shop on the wrong street, you can say you're barking up the wrong tree.
Absolutely, it is a classic C1 idiom that shows a high level of cultural fluency.
Yes, We barked up the wrong tree for weeks is perfectly natural.
No, barking mad means crazy. Barking up the wrong tree is only about being mistaken.
Usually, you should ask for the correct direction. Oh, where should I be looking instead?
Expressions liées
Off base
On the wrong track
Wild goose chase
Wide of the mark
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