lead nowhere

idiom

: to not be helpful in finding a solution to something
The investigation into the murder was leading nowhere.

Examples of lead nowhere in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The problem for visiting hikers is that some trails lead somewhere, while others lead nowhere, or back to the starting point, causing confusion especially among international guests. David Nikel, Forbes, 28 Sep. 2024 The menacing beach location where people become trapped and age at hyper-accelerated rates buries murky secrets that lead nowhere, amounting to a movie whose worst crime is being boring. Dan Heching, CNN, 6 Aug. 2024 This can be discouraging, especially if our efforts seem to lead nowhere or result in setbacks. Lisa Stardust, refinery29.com, 27 Mar. 2024 Murthy’s advisory gives a similar impression of being a first step on a path that might lead nowhere. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2024 These encounters lead nowhere conclusive, but are nonetheless poignant in their determination. Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 28 Apr. 2023 Then, after spending weeks sifting through an array of evidence that seemed to lead nowhere, investigators announced an arrest in late December on the other side of the country: Bryan Kohberger, a Ph.D. student from a nearby university. Mike Baker, New York Times, 10 June 2023 Moreover, the endless talk therapy of psychoanalysis, in which patients explore their feelings about childhood, seemed to lead nowhere — except to years of expensive sessions with a psychiatrist. Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2021 Without clear next steps, petitions can sometimes lead nowhere. Christina Maxouris, CNN, 23 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lead nowhere.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near lead nowhere

Cite this Entry

“Lead nowhere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead%20nowhere. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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