Idiom: Barking Up The Wrong Tree
Example 1:
Lisa: Did you see that
new guy in class? He is SO cute!!
Tina: Oh, you mean
James? Yes, he is very handsome! He is my brother’s friend.
Lisa: I want to go out
on a date with him.
Tina: Lisa, you are
barking up the wrong tree!!
Lisa: What do you
mean?
Tina: He is gay. He
isn’t interested in girls!
Lisa: Did you see that
new guy in class? He is SO cute!!
Tina: Oh, you mean
James? Yes, he is very handsome! He is my brother’s friend.
Lisa: I want to go out
on a date with him.
Tina: Lisa, you are
barking up the wrong tree!!
Lisa: What do you
mean?
Tina: He is gay. He
isn’t interested in girls!
Example 2:
News Anchor: The
police investigation revealed that Mr. Thompson was not guilty of committing
the burglary. It was actually his neighbor who had committed the crime. The
police finally realized that they were barking up the wrong tree by accusing
Mr. Thompson.
Meaning: To waste your effort pursuing
the wrong thing, person or path.
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