English Expression · Intermediate
snipe hunt
A prank in which a gullible victim is sent off on a fruitless search for a nonexistent item
Pronunciation: /ˈsnaɪpˌhʌnt/
Meaning
A prank in which a gullible victim is sent off on a fruitless search for a nonexistent item.
Example
And you asked Charles Briggs for the name of the man who bought the secret, and he gives you a legend. A man who might not even exist. You know what, this is a snipe hunt.
And you asked Charles Briggs for the name of the man who bought the secret, and he gives you a legend. A man who might not even exist. You know what, this is a snipe hunt.
Practice tips
- Practice snipe hunt out loud — read the pronunciation guide above and repeat.
- Use it in your own sentence today; reuse beats rereading.
- Pay attention to context: this English expression is for intermediate-level learners.