How Do You Spell BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE?

Pronunciation: [bˈɑːkɪŋ ˌʌp ðə ɹˈɒŋ tɹˈiː] (IPA)

The phrase "barking up the wrong tree" is used when someone is pursuing the wrong course of action or looking for something in the wrong place. The spelling of this phrase can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as [bɑrkɪŋ ʌp ði rɔŋ tri]. The "ar" sound in "barking" is pronounced as /ɑr/, while the "th" sound in "the" is pronounced as /ð/. The "o" sound in "wrong" is pronounced as /ʌ/, and the "ee" sound in "tree" is pronounced as /tri/.

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE Meaning and Definition

  1. "Barking up the wrong tree" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the idea that someone is pursuing or accusing the wrong person, thing, or idea. This phrase originates from hunting, where dogs would often bark at the base of a tree in the belief that their quarry, such as a squirrel or raccoon, was hiding there. However, the actual target of their pursuit had already climbed another tree.

    In a figurative sense, "barking up the wrong tree" suggests that someone is directing their efforts or accusations in the wrong direction, resulting in a futile or misguided attempt. It implies that the individual's assumptions, theories, or conclusions are incorrect and misaligned with the truth or desired outcome.

    This phrase is commonly used in various contexts, such as investigations, arguments, or discussions, to highlight the error of someone's judgment or the inaccuracy of their beliefs. It serves as a reminder to reconsider one's approach, choices, or accusations, and to redirect their efforts towards a more appropriate and fruitful direction.

    Overall, "barking up the wrong tree" encapsulates the notion of misplacing blame, casting doubt on the accuracy of someone's claims, and emphasizing the importance of carefully identifying the correct target or solution.

Common Misspellings for BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

  • varking up the wrong tree
  • narking up the wrong tree
  • harking up the wrong tree
  • garking up the wrong tree
  • bzrking up the wrong tree
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  • baeking up the wrong tree
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  • ba5king up the wrong tree
  • ba4king up the wrong tree
  • barjing up the wrong tree
  • barming up the wrong tree
  • barling up the wrong tree
  • baroing up the wrong tree
  • bariing up the wrong tree
  • barkung up the wrong tree

Idioms with the word BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

  • be barking up the wrong tree The idiom "be barking up the wrong tree" means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action, or to direct one's efforts or inquiries towards an incorrect or unproductive source. It implies a situation where someone is focusing their attention or blaming someone or something that is not responsible for the issue or problem at hand.
  • barking up the wrong tree Barking up the wrong tree" is an idiom that means pursuing a mistaken or misguided course of action, or addressing the wrong person or thing. It originates from the image of a hunting dog barking at the wrong tree, where the prey is not located.

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