bark at the moon

/bˈɑːk at ðə mˈuːn/

/bˈɑːɹk æt ðə mˈuːn/

[phrase]

to bark at the moon

[PHRASE]

to take part in a protest that has no chance of reaching success

to [bark] at the moon definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "bark at the moon" and when to use it?

The idiom "bark at the moon" is originated from the behavior of dogs who bark at the moon, which is a futile and pointless activity since the moon is an inanimate object that cannot be affected by barking. The idiom is often used in a figurative sense, to describe someone who is pursuing a goal or engaging in an activity that is unlikely to succeed or to express a sense of frustration or disbelief at someone's behavior.

Examples

1. Trying to convince her to change her mind is like barking at the moon - it's a waste of time and effort.

2. The team's efforts to win the championship were like barking at the moon, as they were vastly outmatched by their opponents.

Nearby words

bark is worse than bite

bark up the wrong tree

barkeep

barkeeper

barley