The idiomatic meaning of "vicious circle" refers to a situation in which one problem causes another, which then exacerbates the first problem, creating a negative feedback loop. It describes a self-defeating or self-perpetuating cycle of events. The term implies that the situation is difficult to escape.
The origin isn't precisely documented, but the metaphor likely draws from the idea of a circle representing something that returns to its starting point, and vicious implying a harmful or unpleasant quality. The phrase gained popularity in the 20th century.
The register is neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
"Vicious circle" is a noun phrase, usually preceded by an article ("a," "the") or possessive pronoun ("my," "his"). It can be modified by adjectives (e.g., "a particularly nasty vicious circle") or used as part of a larger clause (e.g., "to break the vicious circle"). It can be the subject or object of a sentence.
It sounds unnatural to use "vicious circle" in a literal sense (e.g., describing a physically circular shape that is also mean). Overusing the phrase or employing it in contexts where a simpler description would suffice can also sound awkward.
These examples are sourced from vicious circle on Ludwig.guru.
"Thus the vicious circle." — The Guardian
"It becomes a vicious circle." — The New York Times
"A vicious circle begins." — The Guardian - Lifestyle
"I want to break this vicious circle"." — The New York Times
"It's a vicious circle inside oneself." — The New York Times - Magazine
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/vicious+circle
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| downward spiral | Emphasizes a progressively worsening situation. |
| negative feedback loop | More technical and scientific; focuses on the cyclical nature. |
| self-fulfilling prophecy | Highlights how expectations can cause an event to happen. |
| Catch-22 | Describes a paradoxical situation where someone needs something that can only be obtained by already having it. |
| chicken or the egg | Focuses on which of two events caused the other, where each seems to depend on the other. |
| snowball effect | Describes a situation where something grows rapidly in size or importance. |
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| vicious circle | A situation where one problem causes another, which exacerbates the first, creating a negative feedback loop. | Neutral | Literal contexts; situations needing simpler descriptions. |
The phrase "vicious circle" is almost always used figuratively. While circle has a literal meaning, the combination with vicious creates an idiomatic expression referring to a self-perpetuating problem, not a physical circle with malicious intent.
While both phrases describe worsening situations, a "vicious circle" emphasizes the cyclical nature of the problem – A leads to B, which leads back to A. A downward spiral focuses more on the progressive decline, with less emphasis on the feedback loop.
Yes, that's a common misunderstanding. The term "vicious circle" refers to a self-perpetuating problem where one action creates a reaction that worsens the original action. It has nothing to do with malicious individuals acting as a group.
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