Wheels within wheels
phrase
A situation or system that is complex or difficult to understand because it has so many parts that seem connected or affected by each other.
Government negotiations often involve nuances and subtleties, they are really wheels within wheels.

Often appears as...
- complex as wheels within wheels
- wheels within wheels situation
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Activities or organizations characterized by hidden motives or complex and convoluted dealings.
In corporate politics, sometimes there are wheels within wheels and it can be hard to understand the real agendas.

Often appears as...
- wheels within wheels politics
- wheels within wheels agendas
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
A situation or system that is complex or difficult to understand because it has so many parts that seem connected or affected by each other.
Government negotiations often involve nuances and subtleties, they are really wheels within wheels.

Often appears as...
- complex as wheels within wheels
- wheels within wheels situation
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Activities or organizations characterized by hidden motives or complex and convoluted dealings.
In corporate politics, sometimes there are wheels within wheels and it can be hard to understand the real agendas.

Often appears as...
- wheels within wheels politics
- wheels within wheels agendas
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2

Hidden Complexity
The phrase suggests subtle connections that complicate situations.

Negotiating peace was wheels within wheels due to many secret treaties.
Metaphorical Puzzle
Used metaphorically to express a puzzle or something challenging to decipher.

Solving this code is like wheels within wheels; it's very intricate.
Not Literal
It's not about actual wheels, but about the complexity of elements in a system.

The new taxation laws are wheels within wheels and challenging to grasp.
Hidden Complexity
The phrase suggests subtle connections that complicate situations.

Negotiating peace was wheels within wheels due to many secret treaties.
Metaphorical Puzzle
Used metaphorically to express a puzzle or something challenging to decipher.

Solving this code is like wheels within wheels; it's very intricate.
Not Literal
It's not about actual wheels, but about the complexity of elements in a system.

The new taxation laws are wheels within wheels and challenging to grasp.
Hidden Complexity
The phrase suggests subtle connections that complicate situations.

Negotiating peace was wheels within wheels due to many secret treaties.
Metaphorical Puzzle
Used metaphorically to express a puzzle or something challenging to decipher.

Solving this code is like wheels within wheels; it's very intricate.
Not Literal
It's not about actual wheels, but about the complexity of elements in a system.

The new taxation laws are wheels within wheels and challenging to grasp.
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