This idiom describes deliberately evading or misleading someone, often through delays or vague responses, as if sending them on a futile chase. It conveys frustration or deception, typically used in personal, professional, or bureaucratic contexts to critique unhelpful behavior. The phrase carries a tone of irritation, deceit, or exasperation, reflecting cultural values of transparency and the human tendency to dodge responsibility. Its imagery of a chase evokes a tiring loop, resonating in scenarios like customer service or inquiries. The idiom exposes evasion, making it a sharp metaphor for obstruction.

The phrase originated in early 20th-century America, tied to slang for dodging creditors or police, as noted in urban dictionaries. Its earliest recorded use appears in *The Chicago Tribune* (1920s), for bureaucratic delays. The idiom gained traction in the 1940s, amplified by media and noir fiction, notably in Raymond Chandler’s *Farewell, My Lovely* (1940). Its spread was boosted by consumer culture, with *The New York Times* using it for corporate tactics. Its adoption, primarily in the U.S., stems from its vivid imagery and relevance to avoidance.