give someone the runaround

verb

To delay, dodge, or frustrate (someone), especially by providing useless information or directions.

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Meanings

verbgive someone the runaround (third-person singular simple present gives someone the runaround, present participle giving someone the runaround, simple past gave someone the runaround, past participle given someone the runaround)

present singular third person gives someone the runaround · participle present giving someone the runaround · past gave someone the runaround · participle past given someone the runaround

  1. idiomaticTo delay, dodge, or frustrate (someone), especially by providing useless information or directions.

    Deitch decided seven years ago that she wanted to film a lesbian love story. When major producers gave her the run-around, she formed her own production company, hustled for backers and gathered the right crew of technicians and actors to make it happen.

    1986 April 19, Loie Hayes, Donna Deitch, “Leapin' Lesbians!”, in Gay Community News, page 8

Synonyms & antonyms

Also see
evade

Translations

French balader
  • baladerTranslations
Polish traktować jak powietrze, potraktować jak powietrze
  • traktować jak powietrzeTranslations
  • potraktować jak powietrzeTranslations
Spanish pelotear, venir con rodeos
  • pelotearTranslations
  • venir con rodeosTranslations
  • dar evasivasTranslations
  • dar vueltasTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

give someone the runaround. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/give%20someone%20the%20runaround

MLA

“give someone the runaround.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/give%20someone%20the%20runaround. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “give someone the runaround,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/give%20someone%20the%20runaround.

Source: give someone the runaround on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.