Sunday 24 June 2007

Phrase of the Day 103: 'barking up the wrong tree'

"to be barking up the wrong tree"


definition: to be following a dead end path, pursuing an incorrect lead or assumption.

(být vedle, mýlit se, netrefit se, být mimo mísu)

example: "If you think those gloves will convict OJ, you are barking up the wrong tree."

origin: This phrase comes from the USA and originates in the practice of racoon hunting. Raccoons are partly nocturnal animals and are hunted with dogs. The raccoons often take hide in trees. When the dogs see them up a tree they stand at the base and bark - occasionally, in the dark, they get the wrong tree.

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