runaround

Runaround is a term with multiple senses in English. As an idiom, it describes a pattern of evasive behavior intended to delay or confuse. When someone says they were given the runaround, they mean they were shuttled among people or offices, asked for information, or faced with unhelpful, circular answers. The expression conveys frustration and a lack of straightforward resolution.

In more literal use, runaround can refer to a children's game or activity involving running or moving about, with rules that vary by region or culture.

In puzzles and games, a runaround puzzle is a form of route- or path-based challenge. Solvers typically must deduce a path or order that connects items or locations, sometimes using clues that relate to adjacency or sequencing. The concept is common in puzzle collections and game books, where the emphasis is on logical deduction and planning a route.

In culture and media, the term has appeared as a title or part of titles in music, television, and literature, often evoking movement, pursuit, or the idea of being misled. Overall, runaround describes both literal and figurative forms of movement, delay, and challenge, with usage that spans everyday speech, games, and popular culture.

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