走冤枉路

走冤枉路:

Literally means:

take round about way

Actually means:

冤枉路, unnecessarily long way, or vain trip.

This phrase means that one, instead of taking a shortcut or right path, follows a wrong path and goes the long way round for he does not know the way or for other reasons.

It can also refer to wasting one's energy and time because of failing to aim at the right target or follow the right methods or procedures. Derogatory

冤枉路，没有必要或不值得走的路。

走冤枉路，由于不认得路或其他原因不能按最短的或正常的路线到达目的地，从而多走了不必要的路。

也比喻办事时不能找准对象，途径、程序等而多费精力和时间。具有贬义色彩。