IdiomDaily Life
English
Englisha vicious circle
Meaning: A situation where one problem causes another, which makes the first worse.
Example: “Poor sleep makes her anxious, and anxiety keeps her awake: a vicious circle.”
Origin: From logic, where a "vicious circle" is an argument that assumes what it tries to prove. The general sense is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Polish: błędne koło Literally: False circle
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- put on a brave face To look cheerful or confident while feeling otherwise.
- throw up one's hands To show that one gives up, in despair or frustration.
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