get the runaround
To receive unclear, misleading, incomplete, or evasive information, especially in a response to a question or request. I always get the runaround when I call the telephone company to explain all these extra charges. The reporter tried to get a clear answer from the senator regarding her stance on immigration, but he just got the runaround. If I get the runaround this time, I'm going to ask to speak to a manager right off the bat—that's how determined I am to get some answers.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get the runaround
Be treated evasively or misleadingly, especially in response to a request. For example, Every time I ask about next year's plans I get the runaround. The related expression give the runaround means "to treat evasively or misleadingly," as in He gives her the runaround whenever she asks for time off. [Early 1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.