runaround

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.

See also: get, runaround

give (one) the runaround

To give one unclear, misleading, incomplete, or evasive information, especially in a response to a question or request. When I call the telephone company for an explanation of all these extra charges, they always give me the runaround. The reporter tried to get a clear answer from the senator regarding her stance on immigration, but she just gave him the runaround. If they give me 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.

See also: give, runaround

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*runaround

a series of excuses, delays, and referrals. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) You'll get the runaround if you ask to see the manager. I hate it when they give me the runaround.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

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]

See also: get, runaround

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.

give someone the runaround

INFORMAL

If someone gives you the runaround, they try to confuse you or make it difficult for you to do something, for example by not giving you information you need. In early August, someone close could give you the runaround, especially where it concerns money or other joint matters. I'm fed up with being given the runaround. Note: You can also say you get the runaround from someone. Furness made a few inquiries and got the runaround every time.

See also: give, runaround, someone

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

give someone the runaround

deceive and confuse someone; avoid answering someone's questions directly. informal

See also: give, runaround, someone

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

give somebody the ˈrunaround

(informal) treat somebody badly by not telling them the truth, or by not giving them the help or the information they need, and sending them somewhere else: Residents claim they were given the runaround by the local council, from whom they had no help at all.

See also: give, runaround, somebody

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

runaround

n. a wild-goose chase. (Especially with give, as in the examples.) The IRS gave us the runaround when we asked for a review.

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.