Snipe hunt meaning

What does the saying 'Snipe hunt' mean?

Idiom: Snipe hunt

Meaning:

A snipe hunt is a situation in which someone is tricked into chasing after something that does not exist. The origin comes from a hazing ritual in which someone would be led into the field to catch snipe (an imaginary animal) in a sack while the other hunters pushed the snipe in that direction. The other hunters would in reality leave the hunter there and go on their way.

Country: International English | Subject Area: Animals | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
All idioms have been editorially reviewed, and submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.

Similar Idioms

Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com

Download our curated lists of idioms in PDF format - perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class!

If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum.

If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.

See also:


Trustpilot