# give someone the runaround

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-the-runaround
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- The bank keeps giving me the runaround about my loan.
- I called three times to fix the error, but customer service just gave me the runaround.
- Frustrated by weeks of bureaucratic silence, the journalist realized the ministry was deliberately giving her the runaround to avoid accountability.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.