Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

get the runaround

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.24 in modern English

Syllables: get the runaround
IPA

20

Scrabble Score

15

Letters

1

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To be given unclear, evasive, or unhelpful information, often when seeking answers, assistance or services.

Informal

Example Sentences

"I began to call the INS regularly to check up on the status of my application. I got the proverbial "run-around," and this effort only confirmed my suspicion that the INS was sitting on my application."

Usage

Informal

Inflected Forms

gets the runaround (present, singular) getting the runaround (participle, present) got the runaround (past) got the runaround (UK, participle) gotten the runaround (US, participle)

Frequently Paired Words

give someone the runaround

Questions

What does get the runaround mean?: To be given unclear, evasive, or unhelpful information, often when seeking answers, assistance or services.

How to pronounce get the runaround

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