Apologies to those who know what they are talking about but herewith an anecdote from my late father (my memory is foggy and my terminology is more than likely incorrect):
Overheard a middle eastern exchange pilot requesting a bearing from the tower. Duly given by tower.
Repeated request for bearing. Duly given, same as previous.
Repeated request for bearing. Duly given, same as previous.
Tower asks if he has any visual references. Replies that there is a haystack on left wing. Transpires was lost on taxiway............