Question

to lead someone up the garden path - How long have you been leading me up the garden path?  - She keeps promising to loan me the money, but I think she's just leading up the garden path.

Accepted Answer

to deceive someone (often over a long period of time) You can also lead someone down the garden path.

Idiom	to lead someone up the garden path
Definition	to deceive someone (often over a long period of time)
Examples	- How long have you been leading me up the garden path? - She keeps promising to loan me the money, but I think she's just leading up the garden path.
Note	You can also lead someone down the garden path.

Garden Lead Long Leading Path Deceive Period Time