ENGLISH
REFERENCE

circle the drain

idiom
Meaning

To be in a rapid decline or in a state of downfall, especially as leading to an inevitable utter failure or destruction.


Examples
SIMPLE

That failing company is really circling the drain now.

CONTEXTUAL

With sales dropping every month and no new investors, the small business is clearly circling the drain.

COMPLEX

As the political scandal deepened and public support vanished, it became evident that the administration was circling the drain of total collapse.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    brain drain

    The migration of educated or talented people from less economically advanced areas to more economically advanced areas, especially to large cities or more developed nations.

  2. 02

    circle back

    To return to a previous location or state; to come back to.

  3. 03

    circle the wagons

    To prepare to defend against an attack or criticism.

  4. 04

    come full circle

    To make a complete change or reform.

  5. 05

    drain the python

    To urinate.

  6. 06

    drain the snake

    To urinate.

  7. 07

    full circle

    Through a cycle of transition, returning to where one started after gaining experience or exploring other things.

  8. 08

    go down the drain

    Synonym of go down the toilet: to fail.

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