Runaround - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

deceptive behavior

Runaround refers to a situation where someone avoids giving a direct answer or takes evasive action to delay or deny a request. It often implies a frustrating experience for the person expecting clear information or results. This term can be used in contexts like business negotiations, customer service, or interpersonal communication, where clear expectations are not met. The term reflects the idea of being led in circles rather than directly approaching the matter at hand.

Synonyms

dodging, evasion, subterfuge.

Examples of usage

I got the runaround from customer service.
Stop giving me the runaround and answer my question.
She experienced a frustrating runaround during her job application.
He was tired of the runaround from his landlord.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

The phrase inspired the title of a popular song by the band 'The New Basement Tapes,' reflecting themes of confusion and evasion.
In television, many detective shows and dramas feature characters experiencing a 'runaround' in their quests for truth.
The concept has also appeared in books and movies, often portraying characters as they navigate bureaucratic mishaps.

Psychology

People may give a runaround to avoid uncomfortable truths or confrontations, showcasing common human behavior in communication.
This pattern can arise in negotiations, where parties may dance around issues instead of addressing them directly.
It relates to cognitive dissonance, where someone’s beliefs and actions clash, leading them to provide evasive responses.

Literature

Writers often use the runaround in narratives to create tension, where characters mislead each other and thus complicate their relationships.
The use of evasive dialogue can vividly illustrate characters’ flawed communication, a common theme in modern literature.
Classic tales often depict characters giving runarounds as a way to enhance the plot and create suspense.

Origin of 'runaround'

Main points about word origin

The term 'runaround' originates from combining 'run' and 'around,' which reflects the idea of evading a point or direction.
The phrase has been in use since the early 20th century, often describing frustrating experiences in conversations.
Before being common in casual language, it appeared in legal contexts to indicate avoidance of direct responsibility.

The term 'runaround' has its roots in the combination of the words 'run' and 'around'. The word 'run' derives from the Old English 'rinnan', which means to flow or to run. This is often associated with quick movement or an action that is continuous. The addition of 'around' suggests a circular motion, which further emphasizes the idea of evasion or a lack of straightforwardness. First recorded in English in the early 20th century, 'runaround' encapsulates the frustration of being misled or stymied by unnecessary delays, particularly in bureaucratic situations. Over time, the term has evolved to be widely applicable across various domains, including legal, customer service, and everyday interpersonal communication, embodying a universal sentiment of dissatisfaction in dealings where clarity is expected.

Runaround Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations