Sending someone on a wild goose chase refers to intentionally leading, diverting, or misleading an individual or group on a fruitless and futile pursuit without a clear goal or purpose. This phrase is often used figuratively to describe situations where a person or people are sent to search for something that does not actually exist or to complete a task that has little chance of success.
Originating from the sport of falconry, where a trained bird of prey, such as a falcon, was used to hunt geese, "sending a wild goose chase" suggests directing the falcon after a wild, unpredictable goose. Considering a wild goose's evasive behavior, attempting to catch or follow it would be an arduous and seemingly impossible task. Therefore, this phrase has evolved to depict the wasted efforts, frustrations, and time-consuming nature of pursuing an elusive goal or chasing something unattainable.
In everyday language, "sending someone on a wild goose chase" implies causing someone to embark on a wild and aimless adventure, often intentionally, as a joke, to deceive, or as a means of distraction or misdirection. It commonly involves false information, misleading clues, or exaggerated complexities that hinder progress or ultimately render the pursuit pointless. Consequently, sending individuals on wild goose chases has negative connotations, hinting at wasting their time, effort, and resources, while offering little chance of success or achievement.
