Barking up the wrong tree

Sunday, August 2, 2026 · Idiom · Sayso Play puzzle #10

This means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, often by blaming the wrong person or looking in the wrong place for a solution. The phrase comes from hunting dogs that might mistakenly bark at the base of a tree where their prey is not actually hiding. For example, if someone accuses the wrong coworker of a mistake, they are barking up the wrong tree.