[give] {sb} the runaround
1
to deny someone a definite answer to something or refuse to offer them help
The exact origin of the idiom "give someone the runaround" is not precisely documented, but it is likely a figurative expression that evolved over time in the English language. The phrase "runaround" is often used in a literal sense to describe a situation where someone is made to move in various directions, often unnecessarily or evasively. This expression is used to emphasize the idea that the person is being directed in various directions without making real progress or getting the information they seek.
- I called the insurance company about this claim, but they kept giving me the runaround.
- When customers asked for a refund, the company gave them the runaround, making it difficult to get their money back.
- I tried to get information about the delay in my flight, but the airline staff gave me the runaround, and I still don't know what's happening.
- During the investigation, the suspect gave the police the runaround by providing false information and changing their story multiple times.
- The customer service representative should have resolved the issue, but instead, they gave the customer the runaround, causing frustration.