Fool's errand Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈfuɫz/ /ˈɛɹənd

FOOLZ AIR-und

UK

fuːlz/ /ˈɛɹənd

FOOLZ ERR-und

Definition

A task or activity that is pointless, has no chance of success, or wastes your time.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, often used when someone is sent to do something that's impossible or pointless. Common with: 'send someone on a fool's errand.' Not literal—refers to errands or tasks, not just physical trips.

• Spanish: misión inútil - tarea inútil
• Portuguese (BR): missão inútil - tarefa inútil
• Portuguese (PT): missão inútil - tarefa inútil
• Chinese (Simplified): 徒劳的差事 - 白费力气的事
• Chinese (Traditional): 徒勞的差事 - 白費力氣的事
• Hindi: बेकार की कोशिश - व्यर्थ प्रयास
• Arabic: مهمة عبثية - مهمة بلا جدوى
• Bengali: অর্থহীন চেষ্টা - বৃথা কার্য - পাগলের চেষ্টা
• Russian: бесполезное занятие - пустая затея
• Japanese: 無駄な努力 - 無意味な行動
• Vietnamese: việc làm vô ích - công việc vô vọng
• Korean: 헛된 노력 - 쓸모없는 일
• Turkish: boşuna uğraş - sonuçsuz çaba
• Urdu: لاحاصل کوشش - بے فائدہ کام
• Indonesian: usaha sia-sia - tugas yang tidak mungkin berhasil

Example Sentences

Delivering a letter to a closed office was a fool's errand.

basic

Painting the wall in the rain turned out to be a fool's errand.

basic

Trying to fix something without the right tools is a fool's errand.

basic

I sent him on a fool's errand just to get him out of the house for a while.

natural

Looking for your keys in a dark park is a real fool's errand.

natural

Chasing after rumors at work is often a fool's errand.

natural