circle the drain

USAGE SUMMARY

"circle the drain" is a commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation where something or someone is gradually getting worse or closer to the point of failure. It can also refer to a downward spiral or a gradual decline. Example: "The company's financial situation continued to deteriorate, and it was clear that they were circling the drain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

It's watching this guy circle the drain in his personal life and ultimately find redemption in the most dramatic way.

The New York Times

Just because the characters waste their time doesn't mean you should waste yours watching them circle the drain.

The New York Times

Along the way, North Carolina's reputation as the south's progressive, intellectual capital has started to circle the drain.

The Guardian

Operator errors with Land Rover's similar Terrain Response System, and the expensive repairs that may result, are one reason that brand's reliability ratings consistently circle the drain.

The New York Times

It begins to seem like an artificial construct, or at least artificially convenient, when Alfie's thoughts circle the drain for so long before taking the final plunge.

The New York Times - Books

Irritated that she has to "circle the drain," meaning do laps around the airport unable to stop because of airline security, Babe heads to the airport and finds the Chins with relative ease.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Chevy Chase as Pierce Hawthorne – Pierce is implicitly described by the college dean as one of the school's "old people keeping their minds active as they circle the drains of eternity".

Wikipedia

They're circling the drain.

The New York Times

The economy is circling the drain.

The New York Times

Mr. Miller added, "We're circling the drain".

The New York Times - Food

Without those things, we're all just circling the drain.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "circle the drain" to vividly describe a situation that is progressively worsening and nearing a critical failure point. For example, "The project was poorly managed and started to circle the drain after the key personnel left."

Common error

Avoid using "circle the drain" when the situation still has a reasonable chance of recovery. This phrase implies a high degree of inevitability, so using it prematurely can be misleading or overdramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circle the drain" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe a situation or entity that is in a state of decline, heading towards failure or ruin. As Ludwig indicates, the examples show it applied to careers, relationships, and even entire economies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "circle the drain" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that describes a situation spiraling towards failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys a sense of decline that's often difficult to reverse. Predominantly found in News & Media, this phrase carries a neutral tone and effectively communicates concern about a deteriorating state. When using "circle the drain", remember that it implies a high degree of inevitability. Related phrases like ""spiral downward"" or ""be on its last legs"" offer similar meanings with slight nuances in intensity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spiral downward

Highlights the accelerating nature of the decline.

be doomed

Suggests a predetermined and unavoidable negative fate.

be on its last legs

Focuses more on the final stage of decline, implying very little time remains.

be in dire straits

Highlights the severity of the situation, emphasizing distress and difficulty.

head for disaster

Emphasizes the inevitable negative outcome if the current course continues.

go downhill

A more general term for declining, without necessarily implying imminent failure.

fall apart

Describes a process of disintegration, often implying a loss of cohesion or structure.

be on the decline

A formal way to express that something is gradually worsening.

hit rock bottom

Indicates the lowest possible point has been reached, often implying a potential for recovery.

go to pot

An informal way of saying something is deteriorating due to neglect.

FAQs

How can I use "circle the drain" in a sentence?

You can use "circle the drain" to describe something that is in a state of decline or approaching failure. For example, "After the scandal, the politician's career began to "spiral downward" and "circle the drain"."

What's the difference between "circle the drain" and "going downhill"?

"Circle the drain" implies a more imminent and potentially unrecoverable state of decline, whereas "going downhill" is a more general term for something worsening without necessarily implying immediate failure.

Which is correct, "circle the drain" or "circling the drain"?

Both "circle the drain" and "circling the drain" are correct, but they function differently. "Circle the drain" is the base form, while "circling the drain" is a present participle that often indicates an ongoing process.

What are some alternatives to "circle the drain"?

Alternatives to "circle the drain" include "be on its last legs", "be in dire straits", or "be doomed". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.