好きな単語を入力！

Run around in circles Meaning in English

expression

RUN-er-OWND-in-SIR-kuhlz
run-er-OWND-in-SUR-kuhlz

Definition

To do a lot of activity without making real progress or achieving results, often because of confusion or poor planning.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used to describe frustration at lack of results despite busy effort. Used for people, groups, or organizations. Common in complaints: 'I feel like I'm just running around in circles.' Not used for literal running.

Spanish: dar vueltas sin avanzar - no llegar a ninguna partePortuguese (BR): correr atrás do próprio rabo - ficar rodando sem sair do lugarPortuguese (PT): andar às voltas - não sair do sítioChinese (Simplified): 徒劳无功 - 白忙Chinese (Traditional): 徒勞無功 - 白忙Hindi: घूमते रहना लेकिन कुछ हासिल न होनाArabic: الدوران في حلقة مفرغةBengali: ঘুরে ঘুরে বেরানো - বৃত্তের মধ্যে ঘোরা (অগ্রগতি ছাড়াই)Russian: топтаться на месте - вертеться по кругуJapanese: 堂々巡りをする - 無駄な努力をするVietnamese: quay vòng vòng - làm mãi mà không tiến triểnKorean: 헛수고하다 - 뱅뱅 돌다Turkish: boşuna uğraşmak - aynı şeyleri tekrar tekrar yapmakUrdu: گول گول پھرنا (نتیجہ حاصل کیے بغیر)Indonesian: berputar-putar tanpa hasil - sibuk tanpa kemajuan

Example Sentences

If you don't have a plan, you'll just run around in circles.

basic

We spent all afternoon running around in circles at the office.

basic

Without clear instructions, the kids will just run around in circles.

basic

I feel like I've been running around in circles with this paperwork all week.

natural

Every meeting ends the same—we just run around in circles and nothing gets decided.

natural

Stop running around in circles and focus on one task at a time.

natural