Runaround: meaning, definitions and examples
🏃♂️
runaround
[ ˈrʌnəˌraʊnd ]
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
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "runaround" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desvio
🇮🇳 सिर्फ़ दौड़ाना
🇩🇪 herumhüpfen
- Ausrede
- Ausweichmanöver
🇮🇩 berputar-putar
🇺🇦 обхід
🇵🇱 omijanie
🇯🇵 回り道
🇫🇷 détour
🇪🇸 desvío
🇹🇷 başka yöne sapma
🇰🇷 우회
🇸🇦 التحايل
🇨🇿 obcházení
🇸🇰 obchádzanie
🇨🇳 绕圈
🇸🇮 obhod
🇮🇸 umferð
🇰🇿 айнала
🇬🇪 გარშემო სირბილი
🇦🇿 dönmə
🇲🇽 desvío
Etymology
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.