wild-goose chase (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/wɑɪld ɡuːs tʃeɪs/

Meaning and Usage

A "wild-goose chase" refers to a futile pursuit or a hopeless search for something that is unlikely to be found or achieved. This phrase is often used to describe efforts that are wasted or misguided, typically due to the impracticality or impossibility of the endeavor.

The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly in informal settings.

Example Sentences

1. The detective realized that trying to find the missing evidence was a wild-goose chase.

2. Детектив понял, что пытаться найти недостающее доказательство – это пустая трата времени.

3. Searching for a parking spot in downtown during rush hour felt like a wild-goose chase.

4. Поиск парковочного места в центре города в час пик казался безнадежным занятием.

5. After weeks of exploring different job leads, I concluded that my job search was a wild-goose chase.

6. После недель поисков различных вакансий я пришел к выводу, что мой поиск работы — это вялое охотничье преследование.

Idiomatic Expressions

The phrase "wild-goose chase" is used idiomatically to indicate aimless and fruitless efforts. Some idiomatic expressions commonly associated with the idea of a wild-goose chase might include:

1. "Catch the wild goose": Attempting to achieve something elusive or difficult.
2. He spent months trying to catch the wild goose of fame but never succeeded.

3. Он провел месяцы, пытаясь поймать диковинную славу, но так и не добился успеха.

4. "On a wild goose chase": To be sent on a pointless or futile quest.

5. She felt she was on a wild goose chase when her manager asked her to find an old report that didn't exist.

6. Ей казалось, что её отправили на пустую охоту, когда её менеджер попросил найти старый отчет, которого не было.

7. "Running in circles": Engaging in a series of actions that do not result in any meaningful progress.

8. All this paperwork feels like running in circles— I'm not getting anywhere.
9. Вся эта бумажная работа кажется бегом по кругу — я никуда не продвигаюсь.

Etymology

The term "wild-goose chase" originated in the late 16th century, primarily attributed to the playwright William Shakespeare, although it was formalized in the late 1500s. It originally referred to a type of horse race where riders were supposed to follow a lead horse (the "wild goose") that was unpredictable. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression for futile tasks.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Fruitless search - Futile pursuits - Lost cause

Antonyms: - Productive pursuit - Meaningful quest - Successful endeavor