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errand
(redirected from errands of mercy)

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus 0.03 sec.
*on a fool's errand
Fig. involved in a useless journey or task. (*Typically: be ~; go ~.) Bill went for an interview, but he was on a fool's errand. The job had already been filled. I was sent on a fool's errand to buy some flowers. I knew the shop would be closed by then.

run an errand and do an errand; go on an errand

to take a short trip to do a specific thing; to complete an errand. I've got to run an errand. I'll be back in a minute. John has gone on an errand. He'll be back shortly.
See also: run

send someone (out) on an errand

to dispatch someone to perform an errand. Jerry will be back in a minute. I sent him out on an errand. Who sent you on an errand?
See also: send

a fool's errand
an attempt to do something that has no chance of success Billions of dollars have been spent on long-range weather forecasting, but it's a fool's errand.

run an errand also run errands
to make a short trip for a particular purpose I've got to run a few errands and then stop by my mother's house.
Usage notes: usually to buy or deliver something
See also: run


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On their many errands of mercy, Palestine's extraordinary ambulance drivers can exceed a lifetime's safe dose of X-rays in one week.
 
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