Run round in circles
phrase
To do many things but achieve nothing.
I have been running round in circles all day but I haven't finished anything.
Often appears as...
- running round in circles all day
- feel like i'm running round in circles
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Try to solve a problem by thinking about it too much and not making any decision.
We've been running round in circles for hours trying to figure out this problem.
Often appears as...
- running round in circles trying to solve
- been running round in circles
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To do many things but achieve nothing.
I have been running round in circles all day but I haven't finished anything.
Often appears as...
- running round in circles all day
- feel like i'm running round in circles
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Try to solve a problem by thinking about it too much and not making any decision.
We've been running round in circles for hours trying to figure out this problem.
Often appears as...
- running round in circles trying to solve
- been running round in circles
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is used metaphorically to express waste of time with busy actions that don't lead to progress.
Trying to get a toddler dressed feels like running round in circles.
Pro Tip 2/3Frustration Connotation
Often indicates a person's frustration or exhaustion from lack of progress despite effort.
After trying to fix the computer all morning, I'm running round in circles.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Doesn't mean someone is physically running in circles; it's about feeling stuck in an activity.
This project has me running round in circles; it's so complex.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is used metaphorically to express waste of time with busy actions that don't lead to progress.
Trying to get a toddler dressed feels like running round in circles.
Pro Tip 2/3Frustration Connotation
Often indicates a person's frustration or exhaustion from lack of progress despite effort.
After trying to fix the computer all morning, I'm running round in circles.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Doesn't mean someone is physically running in circles; it's about feeling stuck in an activity.
This project has me running round in circles; it's so complex.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase is used metaphorically to express waste of time with busy actions that don't lead to progress.
Trying to get a toddler dressed feels like running round in circles.
Pro Tip 2/3Frustration Connotation
Often indicates a person's frustration or exhaustion from lack of progress despite effort.
After trying to fix the computer all morning, I'm running round in circles.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal
Doesn't mean someone is physically running in circles; it's about feeling stuck in an activity.
This project has me running round in circles; it's so complex.
Never forget "Run round in circles"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension