- Meaning
- This idiom describes a futile, hopeless, or aimless pursuit of something unattainable, elusive, or nonexistent, as if chasing a wild goose that cannot be caught. It conveys wasted effort or a pointless quest, often used in personal, professional, or narrative contexts to highlight fruitless endeavors or misdirected energy. The phrase carries a tone of frustration, mockery, or caution, reflecting cultural disdain for unproductive tasks and the human tendency to chase illusions. It resonates in scenarios of misguided ambition, capturing the exasperation of chasing the uncatchable, and its hunting imagery adds a layer of vivid futility, evoking a chaotic, endless chase. The idiom often warns against impractical pursuits, making it a colorful metaphor for redirecting effort toward realistic goals.
- Origin
- The phrase originated in 16th-century England, rooted in a horse-racing game called ‘wild goose chase,’ where riders followed a leader in erratic patterns, mimicking geese in flight, as noted in William Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet* (1597): ‘Nay, if our wits run the wild-goose chase.’ Its metaphorical use for futile pursuits emerged in the 17th century, reflecting a culture familiar with hunting, as seen in John Milton’s *Paradise Lost* (1667). Its use grew in 19th-century British and American literature, particularly in adventure and satirical narratives, with Charles Dickens’ *Bleak House* (1853) using it for wasted efforts. The phrase’s adoption was amplified in the 20th century through media, notably in *The New York Times* stories on misguided ventures. Its spread to Commonwealth English came through British influence, and its vivid imagery, evoking an elusive goose, and its applicability to futility ensured its enduring use across English-speaking cultures, from detective tales to corporate missteps.
- Variants
-
- Wild goose chase
- On a wild goose chase
- Chasing a wild goose
- Goose chase
- Examples
-
- Searching for that lost key was a wild goose chase—it was in my pocket.
- On a wild goose chase, she hunted for a deal that didn’t exist.
- Chasing a wild goose, he followed rumors of a job that wasn’t real.
- Goose chase, that investigation led nowhere after weeks of work.
- The audit was a wild goose chase, finding no evidence of fraud.
- On a wild goose chase, they pursued a client who never intended to buy.
|