🌀 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§
May you always run around in circles of joy and not in futile ventures.
— P.J. Roundabout-Wisecracker
