IdiomThe Absurd
Polish
Polishbłędne koło
Meaning: A logical fallacy or impossible situation in which the solution requires solving the problem itself, trapping one in endless repetition.
Literally: False circle
Example: “Bez doświadczenia nie ma pracy, bez pracy nie ma doświadczenia: błędne koło.” — No experience, no job; no job, no experience: a vicious circle.
English equivalent: A vicious circle
Equivalents in other languages
English: a vicious circle
Origin: A translation of Latin circulus vitiosus, the term of medieval logic for an argument that assumes what it sets out to prove. Błędne koło (an erring circle) is used both for that fallacy and, more often, for any situation in which a problem keeps causing itself, like English "vicious circle."
More Polish idioms
- podbijać bębenka To flatter someone or egg them on; to feed someone's vanity.
- róg Amaltei An abundant and inexhaustible source of wealth or plenty.
- kupować kota w worku To purchase something without examining it first, risking getting a poor deal.
- zapaść się pod ziemię To wish to disappear from shame or mortification.
- na kolanie Done quickly, crudely, or without proper care; improvised and shoddy.
- trzymać język za zębami To keep silent and refrain from speaking.
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