The phrase “a wild goose chase” means a futile or pointless pursuit or search for something that is impossible or unlikely to be found.

It comes from an old sport in which horses followed a lead horse at a set distance, like a flight of wild geese.

However, the modern meaning of the phrase implies that chasing a wild goose is a hopeless task.

Some examples of how it is used in sentences are:

• I spent hours looking for the missing file, but it was a wild goose chase.

• Don’t waste your time on a wild goose chase. He’s not interested in you.

• The police realised they had been sent on a wild goose chase by the anonymous tip.

• She gave up her dream of becoming a famous singer. It was a wild goose chase.
• He went on a wild goose chase to find the best pizza in town.