snipe hunt
A prank in which a gullible victim is sent off on a fruitless search for a nonexistent item.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The campers sent the new kid on a silly snipe hunt.”
“We realized it was a snipe hunt when we spent hours looking for an animal that does not exist.”
“The senior staff orchestrated an elaborate snipe hunt, sending the unsuspecting intern into the woods to capture a creature that was merely a figment of their imagination.”
From *snipe* + *hunt*. Although snipe exist as a family of birds, the term describes a quest for an imaginary creature of varying description.
- 01
dog in the hunt
Something that may lead to gain, depending on the outcome; a position for which to campaign or cheer.
- 02
hunt where the ducks are
To seek opportunities or results in situations or places where they are most likely to be found.
- 03
run with the hare and hunt with the hounds
To support both sides of an argument.
- 04
thrill of the hunt
The anticipation and excitement experienced while searching for something that is difficult to obtain.
Last updated August 10, 2026