I am just chasing my tail with all this housework.
chase one's tail
idiomTo busily try to perform many tasks or to repeatedly revise one's plans, especially with inefficient use of one's time and limited results.
Origin
disputed originFrom obsessive behavior observed in some dogs. The figurative sense refers to the frenzied activity without any useful purpose inherent in this behavior
Without a clear plan for the project, the team spent all week chasing their tails and finished nothing.
Despite his frantic efforts to organize the chaotic filing system, he felt as though he were merely chasing his tail, achieving no real progress by the end of the day.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.