English Reference
Idiom idiom

speak in circles


Synonym of talk in circles.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Stop speaking in circles and tell me what you want.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager spoke in circles for twenty minutes, but he never actually explained why the project was delayed.

COMPLEX

Rather than addressing the ethical concerns directly, the politician spoke in circles, weaving a complex web of vague promises that left the audience feeling more confused than before.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    circle back

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

  2. 02

    circle the drain

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

  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

    full circle

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

  6. 06

    go round in circles

    To repeatedly do the same thing without making any progress.

  7. 07

    inner circle

    The group comprising one's closest friends or associates.

  8. 08

    speak for

    To claim, reserve, or occupy.

Last updated August 10, 2026