What does “Vultures are circling” mean?

"Vultures are circling" means that there are people who are waiting and watching for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After the company announced layoffs, vultures are circling to buy up their assets.

Example

As soon as the politician made a mistake, vultures are circling to attack his reputation.

Example

With the housing market crash, vultures are circling to buy foreclosed properties at a low price

Is “Vultures are circling” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Vultures are circling” 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 “Vultures are circling” effectively in context?

You can use "Vultures are circling" to describe a situation where people are eagerly waiting and watching for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation. It emphasizes the predatory nature of these individuals, comparing them to vultures circling their prey. For example, if a company announces layoffs, you might say, 'After the company announced layoffs, vultures are circling to buy up their assets.'

1Business
After the company announced layoffs, vultures are circling to buy up their assets.
2Politics
As soon as the politician made a mistake, vultures are circling to attack his reputation.
3Real Estate
With the housing market crash, vultures are circling to buy foreclosed properties at a low price.

Similar phrases to “Vultures are circling”:

Sharks are swimming

There are people who are waiting and watching for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation.

Example

After the company announced layoffs, sharks are swimming to buy up their assets.

Wolves are at the door

There are people who are waiting and watching for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation.

Example

With the economic downturn, wolves are at the door, ready to pounce on struggling businesses.

Crows are gathering

There are people who are waiting and watching for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation.

Example

As soon as the celebrity made a mistake, crows are gathering to criticize and mock.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Vultures are circling” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Vultures are circling" is unknown.

Is “Vultures are circling” common in everyday conversation?

"Vultures are circling" is not a very common expression in everyday conversation, but it is still used occasionally, especially in more formal or professional contexts.

What tone does “Vultures are circling” have?

"Vultures are circling" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It suggests that there are opportunistic individuals who are eagerly waiting for a chance to take advantage of a situation.

Can “Vultures are circling” be used in informal and formal settings?

"Vultures are circling" is more commonly used in formal or professional settings, such as business discussions or political analysis. It may not be as commonly used in casual conversations.

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, 'After the scandal broke, vultures are circling to exploit the situation.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Vultures are circling!' to imply that there are opportunistic individuals waiting for an opportunity.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

opportunists are lurking
predators are waiting
scavengers are hovering
hunters are stalking
schemers are plotting

Antonyms

opportunity is scarce
no one is interested
people are oblivious
there are no takers
no one is paying attention