The idiom "get the runaround" means to be given confusing or unhelpful answers or directions, often in a way that wastes your time and makes it difficult to achieve your goal. It is used when someone is trying to get information or assistance from someone else, but that person is not being helpful or is avoiding giving a straight answer.
For example, if you call a company's customer service line to ask about a problem with your order, but you are transferred to multiple departments and no one can give you a clear answer, you could say that you are getting the runaround. Or if you go to a government office to apply for a permit, but the staff keep sending you to different counters and asking for different documents, you could say that you are getting the runaround.
The phrase "get the runaround" can be frustrating and annoying, as it wastes your time and makes it difficult to achieve your goal. It is important to stay calm and persistent when you are in this situation, and to keep asking for help until you get a clear answer or resolution to your problem.
• The CEO was grilled by the board of directors about the company's financial losses and couldn't give clear answers, resorting to giving them the runaround instead.
• The politician promised to answer questions about the scandal, but instead gave reporters the runaround with vague responses and evasions.
• When I called the customer service line, they kept transferring me to different departments and I got the runaround for hours.
• After months of trying to resolve the issue with the insurance company, I realized they were giving me the runaround and decided to hire a lawyer.
• I've been trying to schedule a meeting with my boss for a week, but she keeps giving me the runaround and avoiding my calls.
• I needed to renew my passport, but the government office gave me the runaround and I still don't know what to do.