spin one's wheels

Meaning: To work hard without making any real progress toward a goal.

Example: “Without a clear plan, the committee has been spinning its wheels for months.”

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: From the image of a car's wheels spinning rapidly against the ground but the vehicle remaining stuck in place.

Lord willing and the creek don't rise Used to express contingency on circumstances beyond one's control, especially minor natur…
until the cows come home For an indefinitely long time; forever or seemingly forever.
land in someone's lap Something desirable comes to someone without effort or expectation on their part.
wet one's whistle To have a drink.
out of spoons Exhausted of energy or resources, usually mental or emotional.
bad apple A person of bad character whose presence corrupts or damages others or a group.

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

Gold goes in at any gate, except Heaven's. Wealth opens worldly doors but cannot purchase spiritual salvation or divine favor.
We must not look for a golden life in an iron age. Expecting luxury and ease during harsh times courts disappointment; adapt aspirations to…
Do all the good you talk of; but talk not of all the good you do. Genuine virtue acts quietly; publicizing your kindness undermines its moral authenticity…

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