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in circles
01
with no success achieved or no progress made
What is the origin of the idiom "in circles" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "in circles" has likely emerged from the idea of someone walking or running in circles, without making any forward progress. Today, the idiom is commonly used to describe a situation where someone is stuck in a repetitive cycle of action or thought, without achieving any significant results or progress.
Example
If we don't establish clear goals and guidelines, we will end up going in circles during the planning process.
Their argument was going in circles, and they were getting nowhere in resolving their differences.
Her full skirt billowed around her as she spun in circles.
The committee is going in circles trying to decide on a course of action, as no one can agree on the best approach.
The playful dog chased its tail in circles.
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