get the runaround

Idioms  

1. Be treated evasively or misleadingly, especially in response to a request. For example, Every time I ask about next year's plans I get the runaround. The related expression give the runaround means “to treat evasively or misleadingly,” as in He gives her the runaround whenever she asks for time off. [Early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

get the runaround

“Every day they call to get an update. Every single day they’re calling. And they get the runaround every single day, repeatedly,” she said.

From New York Times ● May 1, 2024

Anger is an understandable response when you get the runaround.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 19, 2022

I hear frequently from frustrated taxpayers who get the runaround, or no response at all, when they try to get attention for various municipal breakdowns.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2022

Two other useful habits I picked up since my ordeal began: I always ask for the direct line for the doctor so I don’t get the runaround.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2021

"People still get the runaround, people are still getting confused, people are still subject to dual-tracking," said Daniel Lindsey, an attorney at LAF, formerly the Legal Assistance Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago.

From Chicago Tribune ● Feb. 22, 2013