runaround
B2Informal, common in spoken and written English, particularly in narratives or complaints.
Definition
Meaning
A deceptive or evasive response, especially one that involves being sent repeatedly from one person or place to another without achieving a satisfactory result.
A frustrating experience of being given excuses, delays, or misleading information, often in bureaucratic or service contexts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun, almost exclusively in the idiom 'give someone the runaround' or 'get the runaround'. Implies a sense of circular, unproductive movement and intentional avoidance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The idiom is equally understood and used in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally connotes frustration, inefficiency, and deliberate avoidance in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in some corpora, but the difference is minimal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
give [INDIRECT OBJECT] the runaround [about/over TOPIC]get the runaround [from AGENT]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone the runaround”
- “get the runaround”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Complaining about poor customer service: 'The bank gave me the runaround when I tried to resolve the error.'
Academic
Rare, but can be used metaphorically in discussions of bureaucratic systems.
Everyday
Describing frustrating experiences with official bodies or services: 'I got the runaround from the council about my parking permit.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I called the shop, but they gave me the runaround.
- The customer service department is known for giving people the runaround.
- After getting the runaround from several officials, she decided to file a formal complaint.
- The investigative journalist was subjected to an elaborate runaround by the corporation's PR team, who obfuscated at every turn.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine being sent to RUN AROUND an office building in circles by different people, never getting your answer.
Conceptual Metaphor
AVOIDANCE IS CIRCULAR MOTION / DECEPTION IS A MAZE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation (бегать вокруг). The idiom is closer to 'водить за нос', 'давать от ворот поворот', or 'кидать по инстанциям'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He runarounded me' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with the phrasal verb 'run around' (two words).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'give someone the runaround' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun meaning 'evasive treatment', it is one word: 'runaround'. The phrasal verb meaning 'to run in various directions' is two words: 'run around'.
No, 'runaround' is a noun. The verb form is the phrasal verb 'run around' (e.g., 'The children ran around the garden').
It is most commonly used when complaining about poor service from businesses, government agencies, or any organisation where one seeks help or information.
It is informal. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'evasion' or 'obfuscation' might be preferred.