Idiom
wild goose chase
Meanings
A pointless or futile search or task, often caused by bad information or false leads.
Definition
A wild goose chase is a futile search that wastes time because the goal is impossible or unlikely to be found.
A wild goose chase is an effort to find something or achieve something that is very unlikely to succeed. It often involves following misleading clues or chasing false leads. People use it to say that the time and energy spent were basically wasted.
Examples
- Driving across town for that “exclusive deal” turned out to be a wild goose chase.
- The detective realized the anonymous tip had sent him on a wild goose chase.
- I spent all morning on a wild goose chase looking for the missing file.
- Their vague directions led us on a wild goose chase through the neighborhood.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it for an exciting adventure, but it normally means a wasted, unsuccessful search.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (noun phrase)s
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- storm in a teacup A “storm in a teacup” is a situation where people get very upset about something that is actually n…
- ace up your sleeve An ace up your sleeve is a secret advantage or hidden plan you can use when you need it.