| inf. |
to deliberately avoid giving someone a definite answer, especially when they are asking you to do something (Every time we ask the landlord about fixing the roof, he gives us the runaround. • I called the insurance company about this claim, but they kept giving me the runaround.  ldoceonline.com); to delay, dodge, or frustrate someone, especially by providing useless information or directions (They gave me the runaround when I called. I got a full tour of the facility by phone, but no answer to my question. wiktionary.org); to refuse to help someone, sending them to someone or somewhere else to get help (I'm trying to get a new visa, but the embassy staff keep giving me the runaround. cambridge.org); to fail to give someone information or help that he or she needs by not answering questions or by not dealing with the problem directly (Their customer representatives keep giving me the runaround. merriam-webster.com); to give one unclear, misleading, incomplete, or evasive information, especially in a response to a question or request (When I call the telephone company for an explanation of all these extra charges, they always give me the runaround. • The reporter tried to get a clear answer from the senator regarding her stance on immigration, but she just gave him the runaround. thefreedictionary.com); if someone gives you the runaround, they try to confuse you or make it difficult for you to do something, for example by not giving you information you need (In early August, someone close could give you the runaround, especially where it concerns money or other joint matters. • I'm fed up with being given the runaround. • The suspect gave police the runaround for 22 years. Note: You can also say you get the runaround from someone: Furness made a few inquiries and got the runaround every time. thefreedictionary.com); deceive and confuse someone (thefreedictionary.com); avoid answering someone's questions directly (thefreedictionary.com) |
