wild-goose chase

wild goose chase

A prolonged or chaotic search for something that is difficult to find (often because it does not exist). I've been on a wild goose chase trying to find a bag of Dan's favorite potato chips. Those jerks sent me on a wild goose chase to find a copy of a book that hasn't been released yet!
See also: chase, goose, wild
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wild-goose chase

a worthless hunt or chase; a futile pursuit. I wasted all afternoon on a wild-goose chase. John was angry because he was sent out on a wild-goose chase.
See also: chase
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a wild goose chase
  • wild goose chase
  • wild goose chase, a
  • find it in one's heart, (not) to
  • enclosed please find (something)
  • enclosed please find...
  • Where can (one) find you?
  • Where will I find you?
  • lay around
  • lie around
References in periodicals archive
They caused probably the biggest wild-goose chase in British criminal history and a switch of inquiries from this area to Wearside which cost pounds 4m.
Red faces all round
The bizarre tape was broadcast nationally and sent police on the biggest wild-goose chase in British criminal history with the hoax inquiry costing police hundreds of man -hours and more than pounds 4m.
Yorkshire Ripper link to unsolved murder
Behind Nelson, the star of the film is an ever-present bluegrass soundtrack that rambles and pops as the three challenged heroes seem doomed to run in circles on their wild-goose chase for fortune, freedom, and a way home.
Here We Are Now, Entertain Us!
The finding shows that 220 years of research on the hoatzin was no wild-goose chase.
DNA tests identify hoatzin's cousins
The Wild-Goose Chase, a play that is notable for its irony and easy wit, is the most urbane and consistent in tone of his comedies.
Fletcher, John