How to Memorize

end up going round in circles

Analysis

When you 'go round in circles,' you expend energy and devote time to something, but achieve little, if anything at all. It is most commonly used in relation to failing to reach a resolution or agreement in a discussion or argument, especially if you find yourself dealing repeatedly with the same issue and failing to get past it. It is used frequently in both a social and professional context, and is similar to the phrase 'go nowhere fast.'

Social Examples (Basic)

1. Every time I say something you bring it back to what happened last year. We'll never resolve anything if we continue to go round in circles like this.
2. I sent a form to the bank asking for proof of my address and when they received it they asked for a bill to confirm my address. I can’t seem to sort it out. I’m just going round in circles.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. We spent all afternoon trying to come up with a new concept, but we ended up just going round in circles.
2. Without the proper data to hand, I just went round in circles trying to write the report.

Further Suggestions