Meaning
"Bark Up the Wrong Tree"는 잘못된 방향으로 문제를 해결하려 하거나, 부적절한 대상에게 불평하거나 요구할 때 사용하는 표현입니다. 이 말은 본래 사냥개가 잘못된 나무를 향해 짖어대는 상황에서 유래되었습니다. 목표가 잘못 설정되었거나, 원하는 결과를 얻기 위해 잘못된 방법을 사용하고 있을 때 누군가에게 이 표현을 사용할 수 있습니다.
예를 들어, 친구가 자신의 문제의 원인을 잘못 짚고 다른 사람에게 화를 내고 있다면, "You're barking up the wrong tree"라고 말하며 그가 잘못된 방향으로 가고 있음을 지적할 수 있습니다. 이처럼 "Bark Up the Wrong Tree"는 잘못된 문제 해결 접근 방식이나 대상 선택에 대한 경고로 쓰이는 표현입니다.
Example
The scammers barked up the wrong tree. I saw right through their attempt to steal my banking information.
My brother was barking up the wrong tree when he threatened someone double his size.
I tried to get information about the exam but I was barking up the wrong tree.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
