Barking up the wrong tree

Barking up the wrong tree is an idiom used by many writers. When idioms are used in the right place, they open the doors of effective communication and increase your descriptive power. In this way, you will be better understood. The meaning of the expression Barking up the wrong tree is also remarkable in this respect.

Meaning of "Barking up the wrong tree"

Meaning

The idiom ‘barking up the wrong tree’ is used to describe a situation where someone makes an incorrect assumption or misinterprets the facts, and, as a result, wastes their time and effort. It suggests that they are seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places, hence why they are ‘barking up the wrong tree’.

Etymology

The origin of the idiom ‘barking up the wrong tree’ is difficult to ascertain with any degree of certainty, but some argue that it can be traced back to old hunting stories. According to this explanation, when a hunter was tracking an animal and the animal suddenly veered off and disappeared, the hunter would assume that their prey was still close and continue to search in the same location, making them ‘bark up the wrong tree’.

Usage

The idiom ‘barking up the wrong tree’ is most commonly used to describe a situation in which someone has made a faulty assumption, misinterpreted the facts, and is wasting time and effort in their pursuit of satisfaction. It can also be used more generally to describe situations in which someone is expending effort on an unproductive task or pursuing a goal in a misguided way.

Example Sentences

• He's been chasing that project for weeks, but I think he's barking up the wrong tree.
• I don't think you're going to get what you're looking for. You're barking up the wrong tree.
• He's been trying to get a promotion for months, but I think he's barking up the wrong tree.
• She's been trying to get the job done for weeks, but I think she's barking up the wrong tree.

From Shakespeare to Social Media: The Evolution of English Idioms

English idioms have been around for centuries, with many originating from sources like literature, mythology, and everyday life. Shakespeare, for example, coined many phrases that are still used today, such as "break the ice" and "heart of gold." Over time, new idioms have emerged, with social media and popular culture providing rich sources of inspiration. For instance, the phrase "throwing shade" came into use in the 1990s thanks to ball culture, but has since been popularized by social media.