chase
To run or go quickly after a person, animal, or thing because you want to catch or reach them.
To run or move quickly after someone or something in order to catch, stop, or reach them.
To work very hard for some time to get something you want, like a dream, job, or success.
To put a lot of effort into getting or achieving something such as a goal, result, or benefit.
To make someone or something go away from a place by going after them.
To make a person or animal leave a place by running or moving after them in a threatening or insistent way.
To call, email, or ask someone again because you still do not have their answer, money, or work.
To contact someone again, or keep reminding them, in order to obtain a late payment, reply, or action.
The time when someone runs or moves fast after a person, animal, or thing to catch them.
An act or period of running or moving quickly after someone or something in order to catch or stop them.
The time and actions when you try to win something or someone, for example a prize, a job, or a partner.
The activity or process of trying to get something or someone, especially in a romantic or competitive situation.
To quickly drink water, juice, beer, etc. right after a strong drink like whiskey, to change the taste.
To drink something, often non-alcoholic or milder, immediately after a stronger alcoholic drink, to change or soften the taste.
A long, thin cut or line made in metal, stone, or a wall, sometimes to hide wires or pipes.
A narrow groove or channel cut into a surface such as metal, stone, or plaster, often for decoration or to carry cables or pipes.
- Base: chase
- Plural: chase, chases
- Base: chase
- 3rd Person Singular: chases
- Present Participle: chasing
- Past: chased
a wild-goose chase
1useless or hopeless search
A search or effort that is almost sure to fail and wastes a lot of time.
- Looking for that file in this mess will be a wild-goose chase.
- They sent us on a wild-goose chase to three different offices.
- I felt the whole interview process had been a wild-goose chase.
chase after
1run or go after to get
To run or go quickly after a person or thing because you want to catch them, talk to them, or get them.
- The dog was happily chasing after the children.
- He spent years chasing after promotions instead of enjoying his life.
- Stop chasing after people who don’t respect you.
chase around
1rush about trying to do things
To go to many places or talk to many people in a busy way, usually to solve a problem or find something.
- I’ve been chasing around all morning trying to get the documents signed.
- Parents spend most of the day chasing around after their kids.
- We had to chase around town to find the right parts.
chase away
1force someone or something to go away
To make a person or animal leave a place, often by shouting, moving toward them, or running after them.
- She lit a fire to chase away the insects.
- The farmer chased away the dogs that were worrying his sheep.
- Loud music can chase away nervous customers.
chase down
1find after searching hard
To find a person, thing, or piece of information after looking for it for some time.
- It took me days to chase down the original report.
- Detectives finally chased down the key witness.
- We managed to chase down a spare part for the old machine.
chase off
1drive someone or something away
To make someone or something leave a place, usually because you do not want them there.
- Security guards chased off a group of teenagers outside the store.
- They used loud noises to chase off the wild animals.
- The owner chased off anyone who tried to take photos inside.
chase up
1follow up with someone
To contact a person or organization again because you still do not have what you need from them.
- I’ll chase up the delivery company and see where the package is.
- Could you chase up our order with the supplier?
- She promised to chase up the visa application today.
cut to the chase
1get to the main point quickly
To stop talking about unimportant details and start talking about the most important thing.
- Let’s cut to the chase—are you accepting the offer or not?
- I don’t have much time, so I’ll cut to the chase.
- The manager cut to the chase and explained why the project was late.
give chase
1start chasing someone or something
To begin running or moving quickly after someone or something in order to catch them.
- The police gave chase as soon as the car sped away.
- Several players gave chase, but the striker was too fast.
- When the rabbit ran, the dog immediately gave chase.
lead someone a merry chase
1make pursuit long and difficult
To make someone spend a lot of time and effort chasing or trying to find you, often by moving around or changing plans many times.
- The thief led the police a merry chase through back streets and alleys.
- The missing paperwork led the team a merry chase for days.
- The cat led us a merry chase before we finally caught it.
the thrill of the chase
1excitement of trying to get something
The great excitement you feel while you are trying to get something, not just when you finally get it.
- For her, it isn’t about the prize; it’s the thrill of the chase.
- Some people date mainly for the thrill of the chase.
- Detectives often say they love the thrill of the chase more than the moment of arrest.
the thrill of the chase
2excitement of trying to get something
The strong feeling of excitement you have while you are trying hard to get something or someone you want.
- For some people, it’s the thrill of the chase that makes dating fun.
- He enjoys the thrill of the chase more than actually closing the deal.
- The thrill of the chase kept the hunters going all night.