give someone the runaround: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘give someone the runaround’ mean?
A metaphorical phrase meaning to intentionally make someone have difficulty finding information or getting help, often by providing vague or misleading answers.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning to disrupt or interfere with a process, plan, or situation, usually causing it to go off track or fail.
The idiom "throw a wrench in" is a commonly used expression in American English. It is often used informally to describe the act of disrupting or obstructing a process, plan, or situation. The idiom originated in the early 20th century and has since gained popularity.
"Lead someone up the garden path" means to deceive or mislead someone, often by giving them false hope or false information, causing them to be confused or make a wrong decision.
The idiom "hang out to dry" means to leave someone in a difficult or vulnerable situation without support or assistance.
The idiom "give the game away" means to reveal or expose a secret or hidden truth, usually unintentionally, thereby spoiling a surprise, plan, or strategy.
The idiom "give someone to understand" means to make someone believe or think that something is true, usually by implying or suggesting it indirectly.
One idiom that has stood the test of time is "give someone to understand." This phrase has been used in English-speaking countries since the early 16th century. It carries the meaning of causing someone to believe or infer something without explicitly stating it.
The idiom "give someone the slip" means to escape or elude someone's pursuit or surveillance.
The idiom "give someone the slip" originated in the 19th century and is widely used in both British and American English. It means to evade or elude someone or something, often without their knowledge or detection. The word "slip" in this idiom refers to escaping from a pursuer or avoiding being caught.
The idiom "give someone line" means to provide someone with an excuse or false information to deceive or mislead them. It is often used to imply manipulation or deceitful behavior.
The idiom "give someone grief" means to continuously cause trouble or annoyance to someone, often by criticizing or complaining about their actions or behavior.
The idiom "give someone a hard time" means to be critical, teasing, or causing difficulties for someone deliberately or persistently, often in an annoying or unpleasant manner.
Deciphering the Chase
The idiom "give someone the runaround" is a commonly used phrase in American English. When someone gives another person the runaround, they are intentionally evading or avoiding providing a direct answer or resolution to a question or problem. This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone is not being forthcoming or honest, and instead, they are being vague or elusive.
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the early 20th century and has since become a well-established phrase in the English language.
The primary concept conveyed by this idiom is the idea of intentionally leading someone on a confusing and circuitous path. The person giving the runaround may make empty promises, provide misleading information, or constantly change the subject to divert the other person's attention from the matter at hand.
One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom could be related to the idea of a literal runaround, where someone is made to go in circles or run in different directions, effectively wearing them out or delaying their progress. This concept of physical exertion reflecting a futile effort or wasted energy is metaphorically applied to situations where someone is given the runaround.
While the idiom "give someone the runaround" is commonly used in everyday conversation, it is also prevalent in various written contexts, including journalism, literature, and dialogue in films and television shows. Its usage is not limited to any specific region or social group, making it a widely understood and relatable expression.
The idiom "give someone the runaround" captures the act of deliberately avoiding providing a direct answer or resolution to a question or problem. Its origins are uncertain, but its meaning and usage have become well-established in the English language. This idiom reflects the frustration and deception experienced when someone intentionally evades dealing with an issue, leaving the other person feeling misled and confused.
An idiom that can be related to "give someone the runaround" is "throw a wrench in." This idiom refers to deliberately causing disruption or interference in a plan or situation. It implies a sense of intentional sabotage or obstruction, similar to giving someone the runaround. When someone throws a wrench in the works, they are intentionally creating obstacles or complications, making it difficult for others to proceed smoothly.
Another related idiom is "fudge the issue." This idiom means to evade or skirt around a particular topic or problem by providing vague or ambiguous information. Fudging the issue is similar to giving someone the runaround because both involve intentionally avoiding providing a direct answer or resolution. When someone fudges the issue, they are being evasive or noncommittal, often in an attempt to deflect attention or avoid addressing the real problem.
A third related idiom is "give someone a hard time." This idiom involves intentionally making things difficult or challenging for someone. When someone gives another person a hard time, they may create obstacles, criticize, or act uncooperative. This idiom has a similar underlying concept to giving someone the runaround, as both involve intentionally causing frustration or delay.
The idiom "give someone the runaround" is a widely used expression in American English. Its origins are uncertain, but its meaning and usage are well-established. This idiom captures the act of intentionally avoiding providing a direct answer or resolution, leaving the other person feeling misled and frustrated. It relates to similar idioms such as "throw a wrench in," "fudge the issue," and "give someone a hard time," as all of these involve intentional obstruction, evasion, or difficulty for others involved.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "give someone the runaround" can be used in a sentence:
- She called the customer service hotline four times, but they kept giving her the runaround by transferring her to different departments.
- When the reporter tried to interview the politician about the scandal, he evaded the questions and gave her the runaround.
- The insurance company didn't want to pay the claim, so they gave the policyholder the runaround by requesting unnecessary documentation.
More "Evasion" idioms
