on the wrong scent
on the wrong scent
Following a false lead; chasing after the wrong person or thing. With this new clue, it's becoming clear that we've been on the wrong scent for months. The politician is a master of diverting criticism and negative attention away from himself by putting voters on the wrong scent.
See also: on, scent, wrong
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
wrong scent, on the
On a false trail or track, as in He managed to put the police on the wrong scent and got away. This term alludes to hunting with hounds. [c. 1600]
See also: on, wrong
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- wrong scent, on the
- be in the wrong
- in the wrong
- in the wrong box
- pinned
- put a foot wrong
- not put a foot wrong
- not/never put/set a foot wrong
- What happened?
- it's all gone Pete Tong