What does “Give someone the runaround” mean?
"Give someone the runaround" means to avoid giving a direct answer or solution and instead give confusing or evasive responses.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I called customer service for help, but they just gave me the runaround.
Example
Every time I ask my boss about a raise, he gives me the runaround.
Example
The politician gave the reporter the runaround when asked about the scandal
Is “Give someone the runaround” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Give someone the runaround” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Give someone the runaround” effectively in context?
You can use "Give someone the runaround" to describe a situation where someone avoids giving a direct answer or solution and instead gives confusing or evasive responses. It implies that the person is intentionally being unhelpful or deceptive. For example, if a friend asks for a favor and you keep making excuses or avoiding the request, they might say, 'Stop giving me the runaround and just tell me if you can help or not.'
- 1Customer Service
I called customer service for help, but they just gave me the runaround.
- 2Work
Every time I ask my boss about a raise, he gives me the runaround.
- 3Interviews
The politician gave the reporter the runaround when asked about the scandal.
Similar phrases to “Give someone the runaround”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Give someone the runaround” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Give someone the runaround" is unknown.
Is “Give someone the runaround” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Give someone the runaround" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express frustration or annoyance when someone avoids giving a direct answer or solution.
What tone does “Give someone the runaround” have?
"Give someone the runaround" conveys a tone of frustration or exasperation. It's often used when someone feels deceived or misled by another person's evasive behavior.
Can “Give someone the runaround” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Give someone the runaround" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a specific type of unhelpful or deceptive behavior. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as professional correspondence or discussions.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She called the company for assistance, but they just gave her the runaround.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Stop giving me the runaround!' to express frustration.
