C1idiominformalnatureIELTS-friendly
a wild goose chase
USUK
a long, useless search for something you cannot find
Often 'send someone on' or 'go on a wild goose chase'. Sometimes written 'wild-goose chase'.
In context
The old map sent us on a wild goose chase around the Old Quarter.
Looking for a cheap flat in the city centre turned into a wild goose chase.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed