lost errand
Synonym of fool's errand.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Looking for that closed shop is a lost errand.”
“Searching for the missing keys in the dark park was a lost errand, so we gave up.”
“The detective realized that chasing the phantom lead through the city was a lost errand, yet he persisted against his better judgment.”
- 01
fool's errand
A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.
- 02
get lost
To exit from the scene.
- 03
look as if one had lost a shilling and found sixpence
To look very disappointed.
- 04
look as if one has lost a shilling and found sixpence
To look annoyed or displeased.
- 05
lost cause
A person or thing that is hopeless or futile.
- 06
lost in the shuffle
Failing to stand out or receive attention as a result of a larger-scale change or transformation.
- 07
lost in translation
Unable to be understood due to having been poorly translated.
- 08
lost on
Not understood or appreciated by (someone).
Last updated August 10, 2026