IdiomAnimals
English
EnglishTake the wrong sow by the ear
Meaning: To go after the wrong target, or blame the wrong person.
Example: “Blaming the intern for the leak was taking the wrong sow by the ear.”
Origin: An old English expression, long out of everyday use and now found mostly in proverb collections. Taking a pig by the ear was the practical way to get hold of one, so seizing the wrong sow is laying hands firmly and confidently on exactly the wrong thing — a mistake that announces itself immediately, since the animal will not go quietly. Living English says bark up the wrong tree for the same idea.
More English idioms
- have the blues To feel sad or depressed.
- stand someone up To fail to show up for a date or appointment, leaving the other person waiting.
- have bigger fish to fry To have more important things to deal with.
- tell tall tales To tell exaggerated or untrue stories.
- navel-gaze To be absorbed in oneself and one's own concerns to an excessive degree.
- that ship has sailed It is too late; the opportunity has passed.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- A broken leg is not healed by a silk stocking. Expensive remedies cannot substitute for proper treatment of fundamental problems.
- A burden which one chooses is not felt. Willingly undertaken hardships feel lighter than those imposed against your will.
- The back is made for the burden. Humans possess natural capacity to bear hardship; endurance is inherent to our nature.
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