bark up the wrong tree
Speech parts
1. bark up the wrong tree - Verb
2. bark up the wrong tree - Phrase
Meaning
bark up the wrong tree (third-person singular simple present barks up the wrong tree, present participle barking up the wrong tree, simple past and past participle barked up the wrong tree)
(idiomatic) To do, believe, or pursue something wrong or inappropriate; to take the wrong approach; to follow a false lead; to blame or rebuke the wrong person.