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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

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Chasing wild geese is nearly impossible

Coined by Shakespeare and common since

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.