The runaround Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹənəˌɹaʊn/, /ˈɹənəˌɹaʊnd

thuh RUN-uh-rownd

UK

ðə, ði/ /ɹˈʌnɐɹˌaʊnd

thuh RUN-uh-rownd

Definition

A situation where someone avoids giving a direct answer or solution, often by making excuses or sending you from person to person.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mainly used when someone is frustrated by not getting help or answers, especially from companies or institutions. Often paired with 'give someone the runaround.' Not used in literal running contexts.

• Spanish: largas evasivas - dar largas
• Portuguese (BR): desculpas - enrolação
• Portuguese (PT): desculpas - evasivas
• Chinese (Simplified): 推来推去（不给解决） - 打马虎眼
• Chinese (Traditional): 推來推去（不給解決） - 打馬虎眼
• Hindi: टालमटोल - घुमाना
• Arabic: المماطلة - التسويف
• Bengali: ঘুরপাক খাওয়ানো - ঘুরিয়ে কথা বলা
• Russian: отговорки - переводить с одного на другого
• Japanese: たらい回し
• Vietnamese: bị đá bóng - bị đùn đẩy trách nhiệm
• Korean: 핑계만 늘어놓기 - 책임을 미루기
• Turkish: oyalama - başından savma
• Urdu: ٹال مٹول - بہانہ بازی
• Indonesian: dilimpahkan - dioper-oper

Example Sentences

The support team kept giving me the runaround.

basic

I'm tired of getting the runaround from customer service.

basic

Whenever I call, they give me the runaround.

basic

I spent hours on the phone, but all I got was the runaround.

natural

If they keep giving you the runaround, try asking for a manager.

natural

People get frustrated when companies give them the runaround instead of solving the problem.

natural