Meaning
"Bark Up the Wrong Tree"は英語のイディオムで、直訳すると「間違った木に向かって吠える」という意味です。この表現は、何かを誤った方向で追求したり、不適切な方法や場所で問題を解決しようとする状況を指します。
例えば、ある問題を解決しようとしているが、その原因を誤って認識している場合に「Bark Up the Wrong Tree」と言うことができます。これは、努力やリソースを無駄にしていることを示唆します。
日常会話では、誰かが誤った推測をしたり、不正確な情報に基づいて行動しているときに使われることが多いです。何かを探したり調査しているが、それが実際には無関係だったり、間違った方向である場合にこのフレーズが適しています。
このフレーズを理解しておくと、コミュニケーションの中で他人の誤解や誤った方向性を指摘する際に役立ちます。正しい方向に再度フォーカスするために使われることが多いです。
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!
