Looking for that specific button in this messy room turned out to be a wild goose chase
The detective realized he was on a wild goose chase after the suspect had already fled the country
Trying to find a parking spot downtown during rush hour often feels like a wild goose chase
He spent hours searching for the lost earring, only to discover it was on his ear the whole time – a real wild goose chase
The company's attempt to find a quick fix for their financial problems was a wild goose chase
She went on a wild goose chase looking for a unicorn after reading a fairy tale
The reporter's investigation into the rumor led him on a wild goose chase
Don't waste your time on that unrealistic project; it will just be a wild goose chase
He followed the directions precisely, but they led him on a wild goose chase through the countryside
The quest for the mythical treasure proved to be an elaborate wild goose chase
I think we went on a wild goose chase for nothing.
It certainly felt like it. We found nothing.
Next time, let's research first before we leave.
We've been on a wild goose chase all day
Our search has been completely fruitless so far
This whole endeavor has led nowhere