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Region: General | Usage example: Researching the missing plan turned into a wild-goose chase

Wild goose chase

Meaning

A futile or hopeless pursuit

Usage

Used to describe wasted efforts

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Shakespeare used it in Romeo and Juliet (about 1597), where it describes a type of horse race in which riders followed a leader.

Established in English by the 16th century.

Related Idioms

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

Wild card

An unpredictable or surprising element.

Sow your wild oats

Indulge in youthful recklessness before settling down.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.