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Definitions

fool's errand

NOUN
practical joke
Synonyms
STRONGEST
prank
WEAK
antic caper escapade espieglerie frolic gag high jinks mischievous trick monkeyshines shenanigans stunt tomfoolery trick
NOUN
red herring
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ploy smokescreen
WEAK
attention-grabber bait commotion curve ball deviation distraction distractor disturbance diversion diversionary tactic false clue false face false trail gimmick interruption maneuver wild-goose chase
NOUN
wild-goose chase
Synonyms
WEAK
bootless errand lost cause merry chase red herring snipe hunt vain attempt waste of time wasted effort wasted labor

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It is in truth iniquity on high To cheat our sentenced souls of aught they crave, And mar the merriment as you and I Fare on our long fool's-errand to the grave.

From Last Poems by A. E. Housman by Housman, A. E. (Alfred Edward)

Ottigny set forth on this fool's-errand with thrice the force demanded.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 12, No. 70, August, 1863 by Various