Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.

Barking up the wrong tree

Pursue a course of action that will most likely be futile

The most appropriate meaning of the idiom "barking up the wrong tree" is to pursue a course of action that will most likely be futile.

The idiom "barking up the wrong tree" is used to describe someone who is trying to achieve something but is using the wrong approach. For example, if you are trying to find a lost child in the wrong neighborhood, you are barking up the wrong tree.

The other options are not as appropriate meanings for the idiom "barking up the wrong tree":

• Make an enemy of someone: This idiom means to do something that will cause someone to dislike you.
• Respectfully disagree with someone: This idiom means to have a different opinion from someone without being rude or insulting.
• Pursue one's agenda: This idiom means to work towards achieving one's goals.