Merry dance Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To cause someone trouble by making them confused, rushed, or busy for your amusement; often used when someone is misled or made to chase after something in a complicated way.
Usage & Nuances
This is a British English idiom, typically informal or playful. Often found as 'lead someone a merry dance'. Implies making things unnecessarily difficult for someone, usually for fun or by misleading them. Not about dancing; do not use literally for dancing parties.
Example Sentences
She led him a merry dance all afternoon.
basic
The kids played a merry dance on their babysitter.
basic
He gave me a merry dance trying to find the truth.
basic
She really led us a merry dance before finally telling the secret.
natural
Don’t let him lead you on a merry dance with those stories.
natural
I got the runaround at the office—it was a real merry dance.
natural