🌀 Running Around in Circles: Navigating the Maze of Indecision
Run around in circles, to - To proceed indecisively or aimlessly; a fruitless endeavor. This American colloquialism dates from the first half of the twentieth century. Patricia Wentworth wrote (Pursuit of a Parcel, 1942), “He had been rushing around in circles.” See also go around in circles.
Synonyms
- Spin one’s wheels
- Go around in circles
- Beat around the bush
- Chase one’s tail
Antonyms
- Hit the nail on the head
- Get straight to the point
- Move forward with purpose
- Take decisive action
Humor-filled quotes
- “Some folks seem to spend their whole life barking up the wrong tree, only to end up ‘running around in circles’.” – Anonymous
- “If you find yourself running around in circles, at least you’re getting plenty of exercise!” – Unknown Gym Enthusiast
Proverbs and Expressions
- “All roads lead to Rome” – But sometimes, we prefer to take scenic detours that make us run in endless circles.
- “It’s a hamster wheel situation” – Borrowing from our tiny, furry friends, this evokes the futile running around inside a cage that goes nowhere.
Recommended Literature, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Literature: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller – An exemplary work where characters often find themselves in circular logic and indecisive snares.
- Songs: “Lost” by Michael Bublé – The lyrics and the tone encapsulate that feeling of running around without direction.
- Poetry: The Road Less Traveled by Robert Frost – While not directly related, it evokes the concept of making decisive choices.
- Movies: Groundhog Day – Bill Murray’s journey of repeatedly living the same day until he changes his approach.
Quizzes
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [ ] Catching pink wobblers
- [x] Running around in circles
- [ ] Jumping over moon shadows
- [ ] Sing with jellyfishes
> **Explanation:** "Running around in circles" is indeed a known idiom, signifying a futile effort. The others seem like fanciful nonsense or lyrics from a particularly eccentric song.
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Petting wild unicorns
- [x] Spin one’s wheels
- [ ] Borrowing moonlight boats
- [ ] Hugging with shadows
> **Explanation:** "Spin one’s wheels" is an idiom conveying effort without progress, similar to "running around in circles."
### True or False: 'Go around in circles' is an idiom
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Go around in circles" is another idiom akin to "running around in circles," meaning to perform actions that lead to no substantial outcome.
### Which proverb relates closely to running around in circles?
- [ ] A watched pot never boils
- [x] A talk much, do little
- [ ] A rolling stone gathers no moss
- [ ] Beginning is half done
> **Explanation:** "A talk much, do little" suggests heavy talk with no ensuing action, often resulting in running around in circles.
### Pick the song that captures the essence of ‘running around in circles’:
- [x] "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics
- [ ] "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra
- [ ] "Imagine" by John Lennon
- [ ] "Roaring 20s" by Panic! At The Disco
> **Explanation:** While all songs are classics, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics captures the cyclical and evasive journey of seeking meaning or success.
May you always run around in circles of joy and not in futile ventures.
— P.J. Roundabout-Wisecracker
