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Circle the Drain

What Does "Circle the Drain" Mean?

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"Circle the drain" is an English idiom. It means "to be in decline or close to failure."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "circle the drain" used in a sentence:
  • Ever since losing its biggest client, the company has been circling the drain.
  • His career has been circling the drain for years.
  • The project started circling the drain after the lead designer quit.
meaning for circle the drain

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Circle the Drain" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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