Meaning
To dodge or mislead with vague excuses, sending them in circles.
Origin
From 20th-century America, tied to 1920s slang; 'runaround' meant evasion, as in a 1924 'Variety' on a dodging agent. Possibly from kids' games or vaudeville chases, it reflects a jazz-age knack for slip.
Usage Examples
- They gave me the runaround on that refund.
- He gave her the runaround about his plans.
- Don't give me the runaround; just answer!