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wild goose chase
01
a pursuit or search for something that is unlikely to produce any useful result
Disapproving
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "wild goose chase" and when to use it?
The idiom "wild goose chase" is believed to have originated in the 16th century in England. The phrase describes a type of hunting game, where hunters would pursue a flock of wild geese in a seemingly endless and fruitless pursuit. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is pursuing something that is unlikely to be achieved or is a waste of time and effort.
Examples
Looking for that file without a backup turned into a wild goose chase.
