on the wrong track
Pursuing false leads
On the wrong track means pursuing a mistaken course of action or following faulty reasoning.
The metaphor comes from railroad travel—a train on the wrong track won't reach its intended destination.
The detective realized he'd been on the wrong track all along.
To put someone on the wrong track is to mislead them.
The opposite is on the right track.
- misstepError in action or judgment
- blunderFoolish, costly mistake
- missing the markFailing to achieve aim
- lostUnable to navigate
- wanderMove without fixed direction
misroute · off course · error · off base · misunderstanding · fallacy · misconception · misdirect · misguide · wayward · led astray · astray · derailed · bias · delusion · faux pas · course correction · confusion
on the wrong trackon the right track
Proceeding toward success
on track · getting warmer · on target · closing in · on the money
on the wrong trackon course
Following intended path
making headway · making progress · advancing · gaining ground · closing in
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