Hello! We are six students of English Studies from University of Seville, and this is a project of New Technologies Applied to English Language.

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

Meaning

To make a wrong assumption about someone or something.

If a person is being falsely accused of something, they might use this phrase to inform the accuser that they are mistaken.

Origin

The origin of this phrase is believed to be rooted in dogs and hunting. Dogs are sometimes used during hunting because of their strong sense of smell, their ability to chase and track other animals, and they add a bit of extra security for the hunter.

A dog can make a mistake and choose the wrong tree. There are a number of factors that could have led to the mistake. Perhaps the dog was unable to keep pace with the fleeing animal during the chase, or maybe it got distracted along the way by something. Whatever the case, if a dog fails to pick the right tree, then they are literally 'barking up the wrong the tree.'

This  goes back to at least the 19th century, where the idiom is already being used in a figurative sense.

Example

• Mary was barking up the wrong tree when she said I was the one that used her red dress, it was actually her sister. 

SKATING ON THIN ICE

Meaning

To be doing something that is dangerous or involves risks.

Origin

  
The word “skate” goes back to the Dutch language in the 17^th century. This is not surprising as the Dutch were well known for skating and they were early colonizers in North America. Children were no doubt warned not to do that in Holland and all other countries where skating was popular. Metaphoric usage probably followed shortly thereafter.

Example                

• You are skating on thin ice when you lie to the police.

LEARN THE ROPES

Meaning

Learn something new.

Origin

A nautical term, from the days of sailing ships when new recruits had to learn how to tie knots. After which of course they would know the ropes.

Example

• It will take some time for the new secretary to learn the ropes.