How do you use "Barking up the wrong tree" in a sentence?

If you think I did it, you're barking up the wrong tree. We've been barking up the wrong tree—the bug is in the other module. You're barking up the wrong tree asking me for money.

Barking up the wrong tree

Q: What does "Barking up the wrong tree" mean?

Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action Making an error in judgment, seeking something in the wrong place, or accusing the wrong person. Like a hunting dog barking at a tree where the prey isn't.

Slang Term AmericanBritishAustralian ★★★★★ Very Common Casual

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Meaning: Pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action

找错了方向，搞错了对象

Seguir un camino equivocado

見当違いのことをする

헛다리를 짚다

Making an error in judgment, seeking something in the wrong place, or accusing the wrong person. Like a hunting dog barking at a tree where the prey isn't.

判断失误，在错误的地方寻找某物，或者指责了错误的人。就像猎犬对着没有猎物的树吠叫一样。

Cometer un error de juicio, buscar algo en el lugar equivocado o acusar a la persona equivocada. Como un perro de caza ladrando a un árbol donde no está la presa.

判断を誤ること、間違った場所で何かを探すこと、または間違った人を非難すること。獲物がいない木に向かって吠える猟犬のようなもの。

판단을 잘못하여 엉뚱한 곳에서 무언가를 찾거나 엉뚱한 사람을 탓하는 것. 사냥개가 사냥감이 없는 나무를 향해 짖는 것에서 유래했다.

Examples

If you think I did it, you're barking up the wrong tree.
如果你觉得是我干的，那你找错人了
Si crees que fui yo, estás muy equivocado
私がやったと思っているなら、見当違いだよ
내가 했다고 생각한다면, 헛다리를 짚고 있는 거야.
We've been barking up the wrong tree—the bug is in the other module.
我们一直在找错方向——bug在另一个模块里
Hemos estado buscando en el sitio equivocado: el error está en el otro módulo
見当違いだった——バグは別のモジュールにあった
우리가 헛다리를 짚고 있었어—버그는 다른 모듈에 있었어.
You're barking up the wrong tree asking me for money.
找我要钱你算是找错人了
Te equivocas si me pides dinero a mí
私にお金を頼んでも無駄だよ
나한테 돈을 달라고 해봤자 소용없어.

Pronunciation

/ˈbɑːkɪŋ ʌp ðə rɒŋ triː/

Usage Guide

Context: mistakes, accusations, misdirection

Tone: corrective, dismissive

✓ Do Say

You're barking up the wrong tree
你找错人了
Estás buscando en el sitio equivocado
お門違いだよ
헛다리 짚고 있어
Barking up the wrong tree
找错方向了
Ir por el camino equivocado
見当違い
완전히 엉뚱한 데 찾고 있어

✗ Don't Say

Often used to deflect blame
常用于推卸责任
Se usa a menudo para desviar la culpa
責任を逸らすためによく使われる
책임을 회피할 때 자주 사용됨

Common Mistakes

None—very vivid image

Origin & History

From American hunting with dogs in the 19th century. Dogs would tree raccoons or other prey and bark. If the prey escaped to another tree, the dog would be 'barking up the wrong tree.'

Etymology: From hunting dogs treeing prey

First recorded: American, early 19th century

Cultural Context

Era: 19th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Detective stories; Common expression

Regional notes: American origin but now universal.

Variations

Barking up the wrong treeBark up the wrong tree