fool's errand
nounEtymology First use apppears c. the 18th century.
1
Idiomatic A foolish undertaking, especially one that is purposeless, fruitless, nonsensical, or certain to fail.
- If I were to travel only that I might be discontented with that which I can get at home, methinks I should go but on a fool's errand.1821, Sir Walter Scott, chapter 1, in Kenilworth:
- Shultz took little notice of the Soviet view or that of others who said his Middle East mission was a fool's errand. "You can't be too afraid of failing," said the 67-year-old diplomat.1988 March 7, Michael S. Serrill, “Diplomacy To Dream the Impossible Dream”, in Time, archived from the original on 30 Jun 2013:
2
Idiomatic Such an undertaking, assigned as a prank.
- Meronyms: blinker fluid, key to the midway, left-handed monkey wrench, muffler bearing, skyhook
- Near-synonym: wild-goose chase