hamster wheel

big wheel

A person with a great deal of power or influence, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.

break the wheel

To end a pattern of oppression, inequality, injustice, or abuse.

fifth wheel

Anything superfluous or unnecessary.

reinvent the wheel

To do work unnecessarily when it has already been done satisfactorily by others; to attempt to devise a solution to a problem when a solution already exists.

set one's shoulder to the wheel

Synonym of put one's shoulder to the wheel.

take the wheel

To assume control of a situation.

third wheel

An individual or object that serves no useful purpose.

wheel away

To run around in celebration