runaround

[ ruhn-uh-round ]

noun

1. indecisive or evasive treatment, especially in response to a request:

   Ask for a raise and he'll give you the runaround.

   Synonyms: slip, evasion, dodge

2. Printing. an arrangement of type in which several lines are set in narrower measure than the others in a column to accommodate an illustration, initial, or the like.

Word History and Origins

Origin of runaround¹

1870–75, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase run around

Idioms and Phrases

see get the runaround .

Example Sentences

“The common theme that we kept running into was that this was a big deal for many residents and almost all of us got the runaround from the city of Long Beach,” Oliver said.

From Los Angeles Times

I didn’t have time for all her runaround talk, and I was surprised that she cared so little.

From Literature

“Every day they call to get an update. Every single day they’re calling. And they get the runaround every single day, repeatedly,” she said.

From New York Times

I got in touch with Booking and spoke with several agents about getting a refund, but they gave me the runaround, continually insisting on more documentation.

From New York Times

Most of these jokers she interviews on the field, whether they shoot her straight, or give her the runaround, appreciate the inherent warmness she’s shown over the years.

From Los Angeles Times