Question

Choose the meaning of the idiom/proverb/phrase.
A wild-goose chase

a) A wise search
b) A fruitful search
c) A worthwhile hunt
d) A futile pursuit

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom is an expression whose meanings cannot be directly inferred from the meanings of the words that make it up.
In the given question, the idiom ‘a wild-goose chase’ refers to a futile search, a fruitless errand; a useless and often lengthy pursuit. For example- I went on a wild-goose chase all over the town looking for those delicious pastries until I discovered they no longer make them.

Complete answer:

‘Chase’ refers to the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture. Let us analyze the options given to us in this question:
Option (a.), 'a wise search', is incorrect as it does not indicate the futile or useless search, chase, or pursuit of anything or anyone.
Option (b.), ‘a fruitful search', is incorrect as it does not refer to a futile or useless search of something or someone.
Option (c.), ‘a worthwhile hunt', is incorrect as it does not mean a futile or useless search of something or someone.
Option (d.), ‘a futile pursuit', refers to a futile or useless pursuit/chase of something or someone.
So, the correct answer is “Option d”. as it is the exact meaning of the given idiom ‘a wild-goose chase.’

Note: Even though most of the times you may not be able to infer the exact meaning of the given idiom, you can take clues from a word or two in the idiom. For example, in this case, the word ‘chase’ allowed us to realize that the idiom referred to something related to the pursuit.