talk in circles
To argue a point by repetition of the same theme, sometimes by using different words, but without making any progress.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Stop talking in circles and tell me what you want.”
“We spent an hour discussing the budget, but we were just talking in circles without reaching a decision.”
“The politician continued to talk in circles, skillfully avoiding a direct answer to the reporter's question about the scandal.”
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all talk and no cider
All talk and no results.
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big talk
Statements which are boastful or exaggerated.
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circle back
To return to a previous location or state; to come back to.
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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.
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circle the wagons
To prepare to defend against an attack or criticism.
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coffee talk
Informal conversation among friends or acquaintances, of the kind that occurs in a casual gathering where people sit together and drink coffee.
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come full circle
To make a complete change or reform.
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full circle
Through a cycle of transition, returning to where one started after gaining experience or exploring other things.
Last updated August 10, 2026