# talk in circles

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/talk-in-circles
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To argue a point by repetition of the same theme, sometimes by using different words, but without making any progress.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.