What does “Circling the drain” mean?

"Circling the drain" means that something or someone is approaching the end or failure.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The company's financial situation is getting worse, it's circling the drain.

Example

The team's performance has been declining for months, they're circling the drain.

Example

The politician's scandal has caused his popularity to plummet, he's circling the drain in the polls

Is “Circling the drain” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Circling the drain” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Circling the drain” effectively in context?

You can use "Circling the Drain" to describe a situation or entity that is approaching the end or failure. It emphasizes the idea of a downward spiral or decline. For example, if a business is experiencing financial difficulties, you might say, 'The company's financial situation is getting worse, it's circling the drain.'

1Business
The company's financial situation is getting worse, it's circling the drain.
2Sports
The team's performance has been declining for months, they're circling the drain.
3Politics
The politician's scandal has caused his popularity to plummet, he's circling the drain in the polls.

Similar phrases to “Circling the drain”:

On the brink

On the verge of something, usually failure or collapse

Example

The company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

Going downhill

Getting worse or declining rapidly

Example

The team's performance has been going downhill for months.

In a downward spiral

Experiencing a continuous decline or worsening

Example

Her mental health has been in a downward spiral.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Circling the drain” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Circling the Drain" is unknown.

Is “Circling the drain” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Circling the Drain" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations or entities that are on the verge of failure or collapse.

What tone does “Circling the drain” have?

"Circling the Drain" conveys a tone of pessimism and inevitability. It suggests a sense of impending doom or an irreversible decline.

Can “Circling the drain” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Circling the Drain" is more commonly used in informal settings. It is often used in casual conversations among friends, family, or colleagues. However, it can also be used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about business or politics.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company's financial situation is getting worse, it's "circling the drain".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'The project is "circling the drain".' to imply that it is failing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

approaching the end
nearing failure
on the decline
in a tailspin
spiraling downwards