tree (redirected from coconut)

be barking up the wrong tree (informal)

to be wrong about the reason for something or the way to achieve something. New evidence suggests that we have been barking up the wrong tree in our search for a cure.

See also: bark, wrong

be out of your tree (informal)

to be crazy or behaving in a strange way, sometimes because of drugs or alcohol. Is he going to build the extension himself? He's out of his tree!

be up a gum tree (British & Australian, old-fashioned, American, old-fashioned)

to be in a very difficult situation. If the insurance company won't pay for the damage, I'll be up a gum tree.

See also: gum

can't see the wood for the trees (British, American & Australian, American & Australian)

if someone can't see the wood for the trees, they are unable to understand what is important in a situation because they are giving too much attention to details. After you've spent years researching a single topic you get to a point where you can't see the wood for the trees.

See also: can't, see, wood

Money doesn't grow on trees.

something that you say which means you should be careful how much money you spend because there is only a limited amount. 'Dad, can I have a new bike?' 'We can't afford one. Money doesn't grow on trees, you know.'

See also: doesn't, grow, money

the top of the tree (British & Australian)

if someone is at the top of the tree, they are at the highest position in their job or in an organization. Who would have guessed that she would get to the top of the tree before her clever and talented brother?

See also: top

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barking up the wrong tree

believing the wrong explanation for something. He had nothing to do with the robbery — the cops are really barking up the wrong tree this time.

See also: bark, wrong

not see the forest for the trees

to pay too much attention to details and not understand the general situation. Company officials were so involved in the talks, they couldn't see the forest for the trees and didn't realize their employees were willing to strike.

See also: forest, see

not see the wood for the trees

not see the forest for the trees

See also: see, wood

up a tree

in a difficult situation. If the insurance company won't pay for the damage, I'll be up a tree.

Etymology: based on the idea that some animals climb up a tree to avoid danger