What does the phrase ‘barking up wrong tree’ mean?

A) Taking the bark of wrong tree
B) Climbing up a wrong tree
C) Moving in different directions
D) Making the mistake of taking a wrong decision

Hint: An idiom or a phrase has a special use in the English language. They are used in order to depict the emotions, situations and others using a different set of words other than the normal sentences. They are metaphorical in nature.

Complete answer:

Let us analyze each option one by one.

Option A is ‘taking the bark of the wrong tree’. This is the literal meaning of the given phrase. But according to the hint, the literal meaning of phrases/idioms are not their actual meaning. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

‘Climbing up a wrong tree’ is option B. This option represents neither the literal meaning of the phrase/idiom ‘barking up wrong tree’ nor the metaphorical meaning. Therefore, clearly option B will be incorrect.

Option C is ‘moving in different directions’. This option does not present the literal meaning of the phrase. But analyzing the meaning of the given phrase, it does not represent anything related to movement or directions. Therefore, option C is also incorrect.

Option D is ‘making the mistake of taking the wrong decision’. This option also provides the metaphorical meaning of the given phrase. The phrase ‘barking the wrong tree’ means taking the wrong path or decision for doing any work. This is similar in meaning to option D. Therefore, option D is the right answer.

Note: In order to understand the meaning of an idiom or phrase, the context of their use should be focused upon. This will help us in drawing an idea about what can be the best possible meaning of the given phrase or idiom.