Send (one) on a wild goose chase phrase
To lead someone in a purposeless pursuit.What a waste of time. You really sent me on a wild goose chase!
John sent Mary on a wild goose chase trying to find him inside the house, whereas he had gone outside.
He said there was a pirate’s treasure chest at the bottom of that lake, but only when we dived down did we realize that he had sent us on a wild goose chase.
Trust me! I have no intention of sending you on a wild goose chase.
It's believed that this phrase's origin is rooted in some type of 16th century horse racing. Apparently, back then, a 'wild goose chase' was a horse race in which the lead rider would be pursued by other riders, which is said to be similar to how geese flying in a formation will follow the one in the lead.