bark up the wrong tree

phrase

: to promote or follow a mistaken course (as in doing research)

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bark up the wrong tree was in 1826

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bark tree

bark up the wrong tree

barky

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Style

“Bark up the wrong tree.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bark%20up%20the%20wrong%20tree. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 24 Feb 2026 - Definition revised

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bark up the wrong tree

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