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Barking Up the Wong Tree Meaning: Have you ever encountered a person who is trying to do something that will not work or is wrong about the reason for something or the way to achieve something? Well, the best way to summarise this action is – Barking Up the Wrong Tree. When you use this idiom you are generally trying to convince yourself or someone else that your approach towards something might be wrong. It is frequently used to tell someone that they are doing something in the wrong way and it can’t be achieved until and unless they change their approach. Keep reading this blog post as you will read more about this idiom here.
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Barking Up the Wrong Tree Idiom: Meaning, Origin & Examples
Now that you are aware of the Barking up the wrong tree meaning. The idiom can be used in various scenarios. It can be used with friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances. However, one must keep a check on the tone of their voice while using this idiom with their colleagues as one might get offended. In reality, the idiom barking up the wrong tree is used to tell someone that whatever they are trying to do will not work and they might not achieve something.
Mentioned below are some examples where you can use the idiom barking up the wrong tree:
- Barking up the wrong tree will never help you get your work done.
- That girl is not right for you. You are barking up the wrong tree.
- You can detox your body by doing that but you can’t lose your weight. You are barking up the wrong tree.
The idiom “barking up the wrong tree” originates from the hunting of bears and other large mammals. Hunters would often follow a bear’s tracks, only to discover that the bear had climbed a tree to escape. If the hunters barked at the wrong tree, they would be barking at an empty tree, wasting their time and energy.
Also Read: Grass is Greener on the Other Side Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Barking Up the Wrong Tree Idiom Example Sentences
To get a better idea, check out a couple more sentences on the Barking Up the Wrong Tree idiom which will help you understand the meaning of the same in a better way.
- He’s barking up the wrong tree trying to convince her to go out with him.
- The detective is barking up the wrong tree by focusing on that suspect.
- We’re barking up the wrong tree trying to find a solution in this department.
- She’s barking up the wrong tree if she thinks she can get a promotion without working harder.
- I think we’re barking up the wrong tree with this marketing campaign
Also Read: Benefit of Doubt Meaning, Examples, Synonyms
Synonyms of Barking Up the Wrong Tree Idiom
If you are writing and are looking for some synonyms of similar words for Barking Up the Wrong Tree idiom then we have got you. Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to barking up the wrong tree.
| Miscalculate | Inappropriate |
| Overestimate | Misjudged |
| Misinformed | Chasing a wild goose |
Take a look at some more synonyms on Barking Up the Wrong Tree which will be quite helpful for you through the image that we have attached. You can always save and download this image and use it for future reference.
Barking Up the Wrong Tree Meaning Quiz
Now that you are equipped with all the information on Barking Up the Wrong Tree idiom, it’s time that you test yourself with the help of the quiz that we have compiled for you.
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.
What does the idiom “barking up the wrong tree” mean?
- A) Being very angry
- B) Being on the right track
- C) Being mistaken or pursuing a fruitless goal
- D) Being very tired
Where does this idiom originate from?
- A) Hunting
- B) Sailing
- C) Cooking
- D) Building
Which of the following is a synonym for “barking up the wrong tree”?
- A) Chasing a wild goose
- B) Fishing in a barrel
- C) Hitting the nail on the head
- D) Finding a needle in a haystack
Check Answers
- C) Being mistaken or pursuing a fruitless goal
- A) Hunting
- A) Chasing a wild goose
Also Read: Idioms for IELTS
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FAQs
The idiom “barking up the wrong tree” means to be pursuing a goal or solution that is unlikely to be successful.
The synonym of barking up the wrong tree is chasing a wild goose. Both idioms refer to pursuing a futile or hopeless goal.
While the idiom “barking up the wrong tree” itself is not inherently rude, although it can be used rudely or dismissively.
This was all about the barking up the wrong tress meaning. You can also follow the Learn English page of Leverage Edu for more exciting and informative blogs related to English grammar and the English language.
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