barking up the wrong tree

barking up the wrong tree

/ˌbɑːrkɪŋ ʌp ðə ˌrɒŋ ˈtriː/

💬 Idioms & Expressions

pursuing a mistaken or misguided course

“If you think I took your keys, you're barking up the wrong tree.”

Origin: American English from hunting dogs barking at base of wrong tree after prey escaped