snipe hunt

== English == === Etymology === snipe + hunt Although snipe are an actual family of birds, a snipe hunt was originally a quest for an imaginary creature whose description varies. === Pronunciation === (Received Pronunciation, US) IPA(key): /ˈsnaɪpˌhʌnt/ === Noun === snipe hunt (plural snipe hunts) (idiomatic) A prank in which a gullible victim is sent off on a fruitless search for a nonexistent item. Synonyms: snark hunt, fool's errand, wild goose chase ==== Translations ==== === Verb === snipe hunt (third-person singular simple present snipe hunts, present participle snipe hunting, simple past and past participle snipe hunted) (intransitive) To participate, as the gullible victim, in a snipe hunt.