What does “Vicious circle” mean?
"A vicious circle" means a situation in which one problem or difficulty leads to another, creating a continuous cycle.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The company's financial struggles led to layoffs, which in turn caused a decrease in productivity. It's a vicious circle.
Example
His addiction to drugs resulted in him losing his job, which then led to him becoming even more dependent on drugs. He's stuck in a vicious circle.
Example
The lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness, which makes it even harder for people to find stable employment. It's a vicious circle that needs to be addressed
Is “Vicious circle” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Vicious circle” 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 “Vicious circle” effectively in context?
You can use "vicious circle" to describe a situation in which one problem or difficulty leads to another, creating a continuous cycle. For example, if someone is caught in a cycle of debt where they borrow money to pay off existing debts but end up accumulating more debt, you could say, 'They're stuck in a vicious circle of debt.'
- 1Financial struggles
The company's financial struggles led to layoffs, which in turn caused a decrease in productivity. It's a vicious circle.
- 2Addiction
His addiction to drugs resulted in him losing his job, which then led to him becoming even more dependent on drugs. He's stuck in a vicious circle.
- 3Housing and employment
The lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness, which makes it even harder for people to find stable employment. It's a vicious circle that needs to be addressed.
Similar phrases to “Vicious circle”:
A situation in which one's reliance on something or someone perpetuates itself
Example
Her cycle of dependency on alcohol has been difficult to break.
Catch-22
A situation in which one is trapped by contradictory rules or conditions
Example
He couldn't get a job without experience, but he couldn't gain experience without a job. It was a catch-22 situation.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Vicious circle” come from?
The origin of the phrase "vicious circle" is unknown.
Is “Vicious circle” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "vicious circle" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where problems or difficulties perpetuate each other, creating a cycle that is difficult to break.
What tone does “Vicious circle” have?
"Vicious circle" conveys a tone of frustration and helplessness. It suggests that the situation is challenging and hard to escape from.
Can “Vicious circle” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "vicious circle" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized expression that accurately describes a specific type of situation. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal discussions or writing.
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 lack of job opportunities creates a vicious circle of poverty.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's a vicious circle!' to express frustration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- cycle of problems
- recurring cycle
- never-ending cycle
- self-perpetuating cycle
- downward spiral
Antonyms
- break the cycle
- escape the cycle
- disrupt the pattern
- find a way out
- break free
