ALL meanings of bark up the wrong tree
bark up the wrong tree
B b - noun bark up the wrong tree to misdirect one's attention, efforts, etc; be mistaken 3
- noun bark up the wrong tree to misdirect one's attack, energies, etc. 3
- noun bark up the wrong tree the abrupt, harsh, explosive cry of a dog. 1
- noun bark up the wrong tree a similar sound made by another animal, as a fox. 1
- noun bark up the wrong tree a short, explosive sound, as of firearms: the bark of a revolver. 1
- noun bark up the wrong tree a brusque order, reply, etc.: The foreman's bark sent the idlers back to their machines. 1
- noun bark up the wrong tree a cough. 1
- verb without object bark up the wrong tree (of a dog or other animal) to utter an abrupt, explosive cry or a series of such cries. 1
- verb without object bark up the wrong tree to make a similar sound: The big guns barked. 1
- verb without object bark up the wrong tree to speak or cry out sharply or gruffly: a man who barks at his children. 1
- verb without object bark up the wrong tree Informal. to advertise a theater performance, carnival sideshow, or the like, by standing at the entrance and calling out to passersby. 1
- verb without object bark up the wrong tree to cough. 1
- verb with object bark up the wrong tree to utter in a harsh, shouting tone: barking orders at her subordinates. 1
- idioms bark up the wrong tree bark at the moon, to protest in vain: Telling her that she's misinformed is just barking at the moon. 1
- idioms bark up the wrong tree bark up the wrong tree, to assail or pursue the wrong person or object; misdirect one's efforts: If he expects me to get him a job, he's barking up the wrong tree. 1
- verb bark 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. 0