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Meaning of 'Snipe hunt'

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. Submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.

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