Spin your wheels Meaning in English
expression
ˈspɪn/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈhwiɫz/, /ˈwiɫz
SPIN yor WHEELZ
spˈɪn/ /jˈɔː/ /wˈiːlz
spin yaw WEELZ
Definition
If you spin your wheels, you are making a lot of effort but not making progress or achieving anything.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal idiom, often used when someone is stuck or making no progress despite working hard. Common with work, studies, or problem-solving. Not used for literal vehicles. Similar to 'going in circles'.
Spanish: perder el tiempo - no avanzarPortuguese (BR): perder tempo - não sair do lugarPortuguese (PT): perder tempo - não sair do sítioChinese (Simplified): 原地踏步 - 徒劳无功Chinese (Traditional): 原地打轉 - 徒勞無功Hindi: समय बर्बाद करना - व्यर्थ प्रयास करनाArabic: تضييع الوقت - لا تتقدمBengali: অর্থহীন চেষ্টা করা - ঘুরপাক খাওয়াRussian: топтаться на местеJapanese: 空回りするVietnamese: giẫm chân tại chỗ - loay hoay không tiến triểnKorean: 헛돌다 - 헛수고하다Turkish: boşuna çabalamak - boşa uğraşmakUrdu: بے نتیجہ کوشش کرناIndonesian: berputar di tempat - tidak maju-maju
Example Sentences
I studied all night, but I was just spinning my wheels.
basic
If you keep doing the same thing, you'll just spin your wheels.
basic
They tried to fix the machine, but they were spinning their wheels.
basic
It feels like we're just spinning our wheels with this project.
natural
You’ve been spinning your wheels on that report for hours. Need some help?
natural
Sometimes it’s better to step back than to spin your wheels.
natural