(かどちが)

おかどちがい
noun, expression
barking up the wrong tree; misdirected complaint
communication
1. barking up the wrong tree; misdirected; wrong address
Directing a complaint, request, or action at the wrong person or place. Originally meant going to the wrong gate (門) of a house, and now describes any situation where someone's efforts or blame are aimed at the wrong target.
それ門違(かどちが)いだ。
You're barking up the wrong tree.
(わたし)文句(もんく)()門違(かどちが)いです。
Complaining to me is misdirected.
Demanding responsibility from someone who isn't even in charge is completely misdirected.

Literally 'wrong gate' — from the idea of going to the wrong house by mistake. The (かど) (gate) here refers to the entrance of a house in traditional Japanese neighborhoods. The お prefix adds a slight softening.

Usage

Most commonly used in the pattern お門違(かどちが)いだ to tell someone their complaint or request is directed at the wrong person. Can also be used attributively: お門違(かどちが)苦情(くじょう) (a misdirected complaint).

Common patterns

  • 門違(かどちが)いだ — that's misdirected
  • 門違(かどちが)いいところだ — that's completely off base
  • 門違(かどちが)苦情(くじょう) — a misdirected complaint

Similar words