wild-goose chase

Joe was up to snuff and sent the boys on what he considered a wild-goose chase.

Who wants to be enthusiastic on a wild-goose chase like this?

On his way back to town from this wild-goose chase, he heard the sound of hoofs.

"I apprehend we shall have a wild-goose chase of it," rejoined Bob.

I was half afraid that you had come out here on a wild-goose chase.'

But why then had he been lured off on a wild-goose chase all the way to Ipswich?

I'm going with Hiram on a wild-goose chase, and I'm hoping to have some fun.

While you have been on a wild-goose chase she has been here all the time.

I would not see my client's money wasted in such a wild-goose chase.

Could it be that after all they had been on a wild-goose chase?