What is the origin of the idiom "give someone the runaround" and when to use it?

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.