Idioms · Proverb Hunter

Give (someone) the runaround

To give excuses and delays to someone.We tried to get a refund for our airplane tickets but the company gave us the runaround.

To give someone very special treatment.The city gave the politician the red-carpet treatment when he came for a visit.

To visually examine someone or something quickly.We gave the man the once-over when he walked into the restaurant.

To tell someone the full story or details about someone or something.I gave my friend the low-down on our plans for the weekend.

To give someone permission to begin a project.The city gave us the green light to begin work on the new housing project.

To give someone permission to begin a project.The sales manager gave us the go-ahead to begin the new sales campaign.

To look or stare at someone (especially in a cold or unfriendly way).The store manager began to give the boy the eye.

To make someone feel uncomfortable.The girl next door is very strange. She gives me the creeps.

To be unfriendly to someone.I gave the woman the cold shoulder at the party.

To make someone leave a place quickly.The club owner gave us the bum's rush when we began to make too much noise.