paper-chase

A group of students enjoys a paper-chase in the park.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A cross-country running game: "paper-chase" refers to a game in which one or more runners (hares) set off across country leaving a trail of torn paper for other runners (hounds) to follow. It is a form of orienteering or chase game, often played recreationally or in team sports.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The children organized a paper-chase through the woods, with the fastest runner leaving the paper trail. (A game where runners follow a paper trail.)
  • In the annual school sports day, the paper-chase was the most popular event. (A cross-country running game involving a paper trail.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go on a paper-chase": to participate in this specific game.
  • We decided to go on a paper-chase across the fields on Saturday morning. (To take part in the cross-country chase game.)

Variants and Related Words

• Paper chase (n): another spelling of "paper-chase", often used interchangeably.
  • The paper chase required careful navigation and speed. (The same cross-country running game.)

Synonyms

• Cross-country run: a race over open country, not necessarily with a paper trail.
• Hare and hounds: an alternative name for the same game, where "hares" leave the trail and "hounds" follow.

Related Idioms

• "paper chase" (informal): can also refer metaphorically to a bureaucratic or administrative process involving lots of paperwork.
  • Getting a visa was a real paper chase, with forms and documents everywhere. (A tedious process involving many documents.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Chase after: to pursue something or someone.
  • The runners chased after the paper trail left by the hares. (To follow or pursue a trail.)