"Led on merry chase" is a phrase that refers to the act of leading someone on a playful or teasing pursuit. The spelling of "led" is pronounced /lɛd/, with the 'e' being short and the 'd' being a voiced consonant. Meanwhile, "merry" is pronounced as /ˈmɛri/, with the stress on the first syllable and the 'r' being a consonant sound at the end. "Chase" is pronounced as /tʃeɪs/, with the 'ch' sound being a voiceless consonant at the beginning, and the 's' sound being a voiceless consonant at the end.
The phrase "led on merry chase" refers to a situation where someone is tricked, deceived or lured into pursuing an elusive goal or chasing after something that constantly eludes their grasp. It implies a sense of amusement or merriment on the part of the person leading the chase, as they find pleasure in the frustration or confusion experienced by the person they are deceiving.
When someone is "led on merry chase," they are being manipulated or toyed with for the amusement of another. This can be seen in various contexts, such as in games or sports where one participant intentionally misleads another, or in interpersonal relationships when someone plays games with the emotions or desires of another. The person being led on the chase may initially have high hopes or expectations of reaching their goal, but their pursuer's actions consistently undermine their progress, resulting in a state of bafflement or exasperation.
The phrase encompasses a mixture of emotions, including a sense of foolishness on the part of the person being tricked and a mischievous enjoyment on the part of the instigator. It implies a willingness to engage in the chase, often highlighting the naivety or gullibility of the person being led astray. Ultimately, "led on merry chase" describes a situation where someone is manipulated or deceived in a manner that is both aggravating and entertaining.