English Explanatory Dictionary

fool's errand

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.
  2. Such an undertaking, assigned as a prank.

Pronunciation

en-au-fool's errand.ogg

Word forms

fool's errand fools' errands

Etymology

First use apppears c. the 18th century.

Synonyms

idiot's errand lost errand sleeveless errand wild-goose chase snipe hunt
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